Carnton Plantation
Carnton Plantation's grounds, gardens, out-buildings and house were ground zero for the Civil War's Battle of Franklin. History shows that a five-hour battle was waged in the gardens, ending with one of the bloodiest occurrences in the war. The McGavock family, owners of the Carnton Plantation, had their home used as a hospital for hundreds of wounded Confederate soldiers and then dedicated two acres as a cemetery for casualties. Hour-long walking tours of the plantation run every day, as of November 2009. Travelers should call in advance for current prices and tour hours.
Carnton Plantation
1345 Carnton Lane
Franklin, TN 37064
(615) 794-0903
carnton.org
Carter House
Another integral site of the Battle of Franklin, the Carter house is as a museum and Civil War interpretive center as of the 21st century. Registered as a National Historic Landmark, the brick home still displays over 1,000 bullet holes that scarred the abode during its use as a Federal troop command post, according to the Carter House curator's Website. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the museum, house and surrounding grounds, eight acres of which are preserved battleground. Call the Carter House for current prices and tour times.
Carter House
1140 Columbia Avenue
Franklin, TN 37064
(615) 794-1327
carter-house.org
The Factory
This complex located 6 blocks from historic downtown Franklin is a unique blend of shopping, entertainment venues, eateries, art activities and galleries. Built in the late 1920s, the main structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was originally built as a stove factory, later used by Magic Chef and a bedding manufacture before it ultimately closed its doors. Re-invigorated, and in its current incarnation, The Factory is self-described as an adventure akin to, "...wandering through an Olde-World marketplace," and is now a popular destination for tourists and Franklin residents alike.
The Factory
230 Franklin Road
Franklin, TN 37064
(615) 791-1777
factoryatfranklin.com
Franklin-On-Foot Tour
The heart of Franklin is its equally historic downtown area--a series of small square blocks running parallel to one other. It is filled with antique shops, the original court house, center town-square, eateries and entertainment venues that occupy the whimsical, impeccably-restored vintage buildings that line downtown Franklin's small village streets. It is from one of these establishments---The Landmark Bookstore, located at 114 E. Main St.--- that Franklin-On-Foot Tours usually begins its trek through the environs of the historic downtown. Also available are at least three other tours--one that combines the historic downtown tour with the Carnton Plantation tour, called The Widow of the South Tour, and two night-time Ghost Story-themed tours. Call the Franklin-On-Foot-Tour staff in advance for current prices, hours and available tours.
Franklin-On-Foot Tours
(615) 400-3808
franklinonfoot.com
