Civil War History

Home to the New York Times bestseller, The Widow of the South, this elegant plantation home became a makeshift field hospital during the fierce Battle of Franklin. Carnton Plantation offers daily tours of the beautifully restored mansion, ornamental gardens, and the largest privately owned Confederate cemetery in the country. The Fleming Visitor's... MORE >>

The Carter House, built in 1830, was the epicenter of the Civil War’s Battle of Franklin. Daily tours include video presentation, museum, and guided tour of the farmhouse and grounds.Admission: yesHours: Mon-Sat 9am - 5pm, Sun noon - 5pm(Closed most major holidays)GROUPS: Groups enjoy touring the Carter House. Large groups would be divided into... MORE >>

The Civil War driving tour brochure is available at the Williamson County Visitor Center and describes important sites pertaining to the Battle of Franklin.

Fort Granger, built in 1862 by Union troops as afederal post and signaling station, is accessible by short hike fromFranklin's Pinkerton Park. A walking trail leads to an overlook of the south part of the city. Surrounding the perimeter of the site are trenches dug by Civil WarTroops.

Gray Line offers a guided bus tour called "The Civil War: Battle of Franklin" that includes tours of Carter House and Carnton Plantation. The tour also includes time for shopping and dining in historic downtown Franklin. Tour lasts approximately 6 hours. Available April through November. Contact Gray Line for reservations and boarding locations. Tour admission charged.

Where memories of the Civil War…a vanished era, linger…History of the HouseLotz House, which has been on the National Historic Register since 1976 is located in the heart of downtown historic Franklin, Tennessee at "ground zero" for the Battle of Franklin which was a pivotal battle in the Civil War on November 30, 1864.The house was built in 1858... MORE >>

The Tennessee Civil War Trails is a self-guided driving tour with interpretive markers of significant Civil War sites and trailblazer signs throughout the state including the Franklin area. This section of the trail interprets a critical phase of General John Bell Hood's 1864 campaign to regain control of the state. Visit our website for more information.

The Civil War in Franklin Guided Walking Tour offers a glimpse of civilians in Franklin who experienced want and need as well as heartbreak and loss during the entire Civil War era. Ordinary folks found themselves embroiled in a conflict that no one could have imagined. Some of the people you will meet include Dr. John Park, who was ordered to... MORE >>

Thomas Y. Cartwright, one of the nation’s leading authorities on the Battle of Franklin, is offering personalized walking tours of the Battlefield from the Lotz House.  You’ve seen him on the History Channel, and now he can be your personal tour guide as you walk with him over the battlefieldand hear the stories of some of the bravest men in... MORE >>

Williamson County Archives serves as a repository for all official records of Williamson County though its treasures extend well beyond that as seen in the Archives Museum. The growing collection includes such items as vintage clothing, quilts, furniture, photos, paintings, military uniforms, knick-knacks, a moonshine still and more. Open... MORE >>

Winstead Hill Park is located south of Mack Hatcher Pkwy on Columbia Avenue. It is a 61-acre historic battle site with a 3/4 mile walking trail and restrooms. Winstead Hill was the vantage point from which General John BellHood observed his advancing Confederate troops.