Franklin, Tennessee is one of the most historic and beautiful cities in the entire state. The town is full of all kinds of history, including plenty of well-preserved Civil War spots and a few other sites that speak to the wonderful and diverse history of the area. We found a trail that highlights all of the best sites, but it does require a little creative trailblazing. Be sure to check out the tips under the map below for the best way to see all of the sites along this historic Tennessee heritage trail.
Google Maps The “Franklin Then & Now Historic Trail” is actually a Boy Scout Trail that is eligible for patches and awards, but we’ve modified it here to show some of the highlights of this historic heritage trail. Since you might need to follow busy Franklin roads to complete the trail, we recommend checking out the trail’s directions here for tips on what roads to hike and what sides of the road are the safest.
Brent Moore - Flickr The trail starts at Winstead Hill, which sits south of the city buy offers incredible views of the town. Confederate General John Bell Hood observed the Battle of Franklin from this hill in 1864 and features a map of the battlefield that you can compare with the landscape below you.
Jeremy Reding - Flickr The next stop on the trail is the historic Carnton plantation, which sits just outside of town and was used as a field hospital for the Confederates during the battle. You can tour the house, and admission is $18.
American Battlefield Trust - Flickr Moving in to town, the next stop is the Carter House, which saw the Battle of Franklin fought right outside its doors. In fact, one of the buildings is still riddled with bullet holes. You can tour here for $18 as well.
Brent Moore - Flickr Right next door to the Carter House is the historic Lotz House, which also received damage during the battle that you can still see today. The house, like Carnton, was used as a field hospital after the battle. You can tour all three houses with a single combo ticket for $35.
Brent Moore - Flickr As you keep heading in to the heart of Franklin, the Williamson County Courthouse is the next stop on the trail. The current courthouse was built in the 1850’s and also served as a hospital in the aftermath of the Battle of Franklin.
Bob Henderson - Flickr From the courthouse, you’ll head out of town to the North to Fort Granger, which was built by Union troops in 1862 and was used substantially in the Battle of Franklin in 1864. Today, the earthworks are a park with historic markers and plenty of opportunities to learn about the war.
Factory at Franklin - Facebook The last stop on the tour is a step away from the Battle of Franklin but also gives breadth to the city’s history. The Factory at Franklin was built in 1929 as the home of Dortch Stove Works. Since then, it has come under different owners and is now a multi-purpose space with offices, shops, restaurants, and event venues.
If you enjoy the view from Winstead Hill, then you’ll absolutely love the views from these incredible Tennessee overlooks.
Google Maps
The “Franklin Then & Now Historic Trail” is actually a Boy Scout Trail that is eligible for patches and awards, but we’ve modified it here to show some of the highlights of this historic heritage trail. Since you might need to follow busy Franklin roads to complete the trail, we recommend checking out the trail’s directions here for tips on what roads to hike and what sides of the road are the safest.
Brent Moore - Flickr
The trail starts at Winstead Hill, which sits south of the city buy offers incredible views of the town. Confederate General John Bell Hood observed the Battle of Franklin from this hill in 1864 and features a map of the battlefield that you can compare with the landscape below you.
Jeremy Reding - Flickr
The next stop on the trail is the historic Carnton plantation, which sits just outside of town and was used as a field hospital for the Confederates during the battle. You can tour the house, and admission is $18.
American Battlefield Trust - Flickr
Moving in to town, the next stop is the Carter House, which saw the Battle of Franklin fought right outside its doors. In fact, one of the buildings is still riddled with bullet holes. You can tour here for $18 as well.
Right next door to the Carter House is the historic Lotz House, which also received damage during the battle that you can still see today. The house, like Carnton, was used as a field hospital after the battle. You can tour all three houses with a single combo ticket for $35.
As you keep heading in to the heart of Franklin, the Williamson County Courthouse is the next stop on the trail. The current courthouse was built in the 1850’s and also served as a hospital in the aftermath of the Battle of Franklin.
Bob Henderson - Flickr
From the courthouse, you’ll head out of town to the North to Fort Granger, which was built by Union troops in 1862 and was used substantially in the Battle of Franklin in 1864. Today, the earthworks are a park with historic markers and plenty of opportunities to learn about the war.
Factory at Franklin - Facebook
The last stop on the tour is a step away from the Battle of Franklin but also gives breadth to the city’s history. The Factory at Franklin was built in 1929 as the home of Dortch Stove Works. Since then, it has come under different owners and is now a multi-purpose space with offices, shops, restaurants, and event venues.
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