Published September 4, 2026

Before Castle Rock: Franktown Was Douglas County’s First County Seat

Written by Marjorie Engle

Today, Castle Rock is known as the county seat of Douglas County, but it wasn’t the first.
That distinction belongs to Franktown, Colorado.
When Douglas County was established in 1861, Franktown served as its first county seat, making this small community an important part of the county’s early history. Government operations later moved to Castle Rock, but Franktown’s historic roots remain part of what makes the area so unique.

Franktown developed during Colorado’s territorial days, long before the neighborhoods and communities we know today existed.
Its location made it an important early settlement, and it became the original center of government for Douglas County.
As the region developed, Castle Rock eventually became the county seat. Today, Castle Rock is home to Douglas County government offices and has grown into one of the area’s largest communities.
Franktown, meanwhile, has maintained a much more rural identity.

For buyers searching for Franktown Colorado real estate, that rural character is a big part of the appeal.
Instead of dense suburban neighborhoods, Franktown is known for properties with larger lots, mature Ponderosa pines, horse facilities, barns, shops, and room to spread out.
Depending on the property, buyers may find several acres of land while still being within reach of Castle Rock, Parker, and the Denver metro area.
It can feel worlds away from suburbia without actually being that far away.

Franktown is also positioned near the transition between Douglas County and Elbert County, making it an interesting area for buyers searching for acreage.
Continue east toward Elizabeth, and you'll find even more opportunities for horse properties, larger acreage, agricultural land, barns, workshops, and rural living.
Buyers who initially search only for Douglas County acreage homes may discover that expanding into Elbert County real estate gives them additional options.

Knowing these little pieces of local history helps explain why communities around Douglas and Elbert counties feel so different.
Castle Rock grew into a major community and government center.
Franktown retained much of its rural character.
Elizabeth and Kiowa continue the transition into Colorado’s ranching and agricultural landscape.
They're close geographically, but the lifestyles can be completely different.

Before Castle Rock became the center of county government, Franktown was where it started.
More than 160 years later, the community continues to offer something many Colorado buyers are searching for: space, privacy, acreage, trees, and a connection to Colorado’s rural past.

Marjorie Engle | Engle Homes Group

Licensed Realtor in Colorado

📞 303-881-2707

or another way