Franklin, TN Summary

Nestled in the heart of middle Tennessee’s lush pastoral farmlands, the city of Franklin is one of the nation’s wealthiest communities— its economy is based on tourism and agriculture. Franklin (population 20,098) has a staunch Confederate history, reflected in the town’s antebellum architecture and genteel customs.

Founded in 1799 as a leading plantation center, the city prospered until the Civil War, when it was occupied by Union troops for nearly three years. Hostilities eventually culminated in the Battle of Franklin in November 1864, which is often referred to as “the Last Hurrah” because of the devastating casualties suffered by the Southern army.

Franklin’s restored town square is one of the best to be found in the South, with its classic Court House and buildings of a bygone era lining the sidewalks. The best way to explore the area is by foot, taking in the tree-lined residential avenues that branch off the square. Worth viewing is the Lotz House Museum on Columbia Avenue, showcasing an extensive display of rare Confederate and Union army artifacts, as well as the McPhail Office, used by Union Generals Schofield and Stanley as their headquarters during their military occupation.

Many other houses of historic note are now private residences along Third Avenue.

On the fringe of the town are two of the best Civil War attractions in middle Tennessee. Across the town’s old railroad tracks is the plantation home of Historic Carnton, which was used as a field hospital during 1864. Within its grounds, the estate has the nation’s largest private Confederate cemetery.

The inside of the house has recently been restored to look as it would have during the battle— in the area used as an operating room, bloodstains still remain on the floorboards.

The other attraction is the Carter House, which was built around 1820. Besieged by opposing armies during the Battle of Franklin, its outhouses remain riddled with bullet holes. The Carter House has one of the best museums in town, featuring a detailed account of the battle along with military paraphernalia.

Winstead Hill Lookout, south of town on Hwy 31, is where Confederate General Hood launched his ill-fated attack at the Battle of Franklin.

During the first weekend of May, the Heritage Foundation Town and Country Tour of Homes takes in all the town’s National Register estates for viewing.

There are numerous B&Bs in and around the city. In nearby Nashville, which is about 20 miles north of Franklin, there is an international airport, as well as train and bus service.