Profitability of Business Sectors, 1860

Franklin County's industries in metal working and clothing and footwear produced high levels of profitability, while Augusta outpaced Franklin in profitability in other sectors--masonry and transportation products.

U.S. Census Office, Eighth Census [1860]. Population of the United States in 1860, Compiled from the Original Returns of the Eighth Census. Washington, D.C., 1864. U.S. Census of Population, 1860. Augusta County, Virginia and Franklin County, Pennsylvania. In U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. Eighth Census of the United States, 1860. Washington: National Archives and Records Administration (Augusta: Reels 1333 and 1387. Franklin: Reels 1111 and 1112).

Edward L. Ayers and William G. Thomas, III
Profitability of Business Sectors, 1860

"Although Franklin's wealth was concentrated in its rural agricultural commodities, the county was a commercial hub with numerous businesses and shops more densely concentrated than its Southern counterpart."