Rue Franklin

In 1791, a seemingly ordinary street in Paris was christened Rue Franklin. This street, nestled in the 16th arrondissement, holds a unique connection to American history. Rue Franklin, later renamed Rue Benjamin-Franklin in 1988, commemorates the legacy of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin’s influence extended beyond America. He spent several years in Paris, residing in the nearby Hotel de Valentinois. This mansion, once located on what is now Rue Raynouard, served as Franklin’s home from 1777 to 1785. His scientific pursuits, particularly his invention of the lightning rod, were recognized in France. The Hotel de Valentinois, though partially destroyed, still bears a plaque commemorating the installation of Franklin’s pioneering lightning rod. Rue Franklin’s history intertwines with Franklin’s. Upon his death in 1790, France declared three days of national mourning. A year later, the “rue Neuve-des-Minimes,” a path tracing the grounds of the Couvent des Minimes de Chaillot, was renamed Rue Franklin. At the end of Rue Franklin stands a bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin. This statue, a gift from American banker John H. Harjes in 1906, is a replica of the one in Philadelphia. The pedestal bears inscriptions and bas-reliefs depicting key moments in Franklin’s life, such as his reception by Louis XVI and the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. A plaque at the base of the statue, placed in 1983 by the Daughters of the American Revolution, carries Franklin’s poignant words: “The most beautiful project: working on peace.” Rue Franklin, far from being just a street, is a testament to the enduring ties between France and the United States. It’s a place where history, science, and diplomacy converge, reminding us of the remarkable life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin.