Visit Franklin

How to Enjoy a Visit to the Franklin, Tn Civil War Battlefield

Franklin, TN (founded 1799) is tucked away in beautiful middle Tennessee, in Williamson County. Franklin was a strongly leaning Confederate populace in 1861 but also had some Union pockets and supporters too. Franklin saw significant action during the Civil War (1861-1865), and is famously known for the horrific Battle of Franklin which took place November 30, 1864. This is your guide to enjoying a visit to Civil War Franklin.

Check out the Google Map of the Guide to Civil War Franklin, available at FranklinCivilWarGuide.com

Whitehall, Franklin, TN

Steps

1. Do your preparatory homework first.
   • Read this essay first on why Franklin matters.
   • Visit the Williamson County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau web site.
   • Visit this Battle of Franklin blog and mine its riches.
   • Check out the web sites of the historic Carnton house, the Carter House, and the Lotz House.
   • Review and study this Google Map of the Battle of Franklin.
   • Enjoy this Flickr folderthat has thousands of pictures of Civil War Franklin photos.
     

     The Lotz House before the Civil War

2. Put together a game-plan.
   • What sites will you visit? Among your choices are:
     • Fort Granger
     • Roper’s Knob
     • The Harpeth River
     • Downtown (Historic homes and structures)
     • The Park at Harlinsdale Farm (site of action during Hood’s Retreat)
     • Franklin Courthouse (downtown)
     • The Franklin Railroad Depot
     • The McLemore House
     • Resthaven Cemetery (Unknown Soldier’s Marker)
     • St. Paul’s Church
     • Carter House
     • The Lotz House
     • Cleburne Park
     • Carnton Plantation – Current exhibit on Reunions (March 1 – October 31)
     • McGavock Confederate Cemetery
     • The Nashville-Decatur Railroad
     • Winstead Hill
     • Harrison House
     • Homestead Manor
     • West Harpeth
       
       

       Carnton Plantation seen from McGavock Confederate Cemetery

3. Check out some great food and fun while in Franklin:
   • Eateries
     • McCreary’s Pub
     • Franklin Mercantile Deli
     • Sweet Cece’s
     • Starbuck’s Five Points
     • Puckett’s Restaurant
     • Dotson’s on the River
     • Battleground Brewery
     • Mellow Mushroom
     • Lillie Belle’s
     • Arrington Vineyard’s
     • Homestead Manor Plantation Tea House
   • Shops
     • Historic Downtown Franklin
     • The Factory at Franklin
     • Main Street Toy Company
     • Philanthropy Fashion
     • F.M. Allen
     • Bink’s Outfitters
     • Yeoman’s in the Fork (rare bookstore)
     • Landmark Bookseller’s
     • Lot’s of antique shops
   • Entertainment
     • The Franklin Theater (Re-opening soon)
     • The Boiler Room Theatre
       
       

       Homestead Plantation and Tea House

4. Come back again.
   • Most people who visit Franklin begin to immediately make plans to return. Its simple southern charm will woo you to come back often.
   • Make sure to visit nearby Leiper’s Fork when you come back.

Tips

• Make sure you read this WikiHow article: How to Prepare to Visit a Civil War Battlefield or Site.
• Franklin does not have a formal or official battlefield that is operated by the State or National Park Service. The intrigue and appeal of visiting Franklin will be limited only to your imagination.
• Consider buying a Value Ticket (to save $10 per adult) so you can visit the three main site-attractions, i.e., Carnton, Carter House, and the Lotz House.
• Do a walking tour with Franklin On Foot
• Walking tour of the Battle of Franklin led by Thomas Cartwright (contact the Lotz House)
• If you’re in town the 2nd Sunday of the month, come to the Franklin Civil War Round Table. Meets at the library at 3pm, 2nd Sunday of the month.
• If you come in June, the first Sunday in June is always set aside for a memorial service at McGavock Confederate Cemetery near Carnton.
• Battle of Franklin Descendant’s Reunion: Sept 30 – Oct 2nd (contact Carnton)
• Come visit Franklin between late October thru November. This is the season for events and activities that coincide with official battle-anniversary events.
• Grave Matters: Stories Behind the Stones
• Stay at least one night in Franklin and take your time to enjoy Franklin. There is a lot to see and do.
• Franklin Civil War Days are usually in mid October (see 2010 activity).
• 147th Anniversary of the Battle of Franklin Reenactment: Oct 14-16, 2011
• Blue & Gray Days and Illumination: Nov 18-20
• November 30th: Commemoration of the Battle of Franklin
• Each December is Dickens of a Christmas and Tour of Historic Franklin Homes.
• The Carter House Candlelight Tour of Homes
• Take a Gray Line’s Civil War: Battle of Franklin Tour
• Enjoy a ride along the Natchez Trace Parkway

Warnings

• Be respectful of private property around Franklin. Many sites, including personal homes, associated with the battle are on private property.
• If you come to Franklin between December and February you might expect a few inches of beautiful pristine snow to blanket our town. It makes for Norman Rockwell moments for the camera though. Just come prepared with warm clothing.

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