Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin TN

Harlinsdale Farm is a 198-acre historic district in Franklin, Tennessee that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. It dates from c.1900 and had other significant dates in 1935 and 1945. Its main horse stable, the centerpiece of the property, was completed in 1935. It covers about 198 acres and is located at 239 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064. This farm is associated with the modern Tennessee Walking Horse industry. This farm was founded by W. W. Harlin. In the mid-1940s, the farm gained fame for being the home of Midnight Sun, a Tennessee Walking Horse stallion who won two World Grand Championships in 1945 and 1946. This famous horse became the first repeat World Grand Champion. The success of Midnight Sun in the ring and as a sire has never been matched by any other Tennessee Walking Horse. Even today, most champion Walking Horses trace their lineage to Midnight Sun. From the 1940s until the present day, the farm has served mainly as a breeding operation, run by the Harlin Family. In 2004, the Harlin Family showed interest in selling the 200-acre farm to the City of Franklin, knowing that the property would be developed as a passive park while maintaining and protecting the Walking Horse history. The City of Franklin readily agreed and began an extensive public planning process to design the master plan that would reflect the history of the farm, while including the wants and needs of the public.