Carnton Plantation Franklin TN
Step into the heart of Civil War history at Carnton Plantation, a poignant site of the Battle of Franklin and a testament to human resilience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Tours are engaging and informative
Carnton Plantation Franklin TN
Best Time
Tours are engaging and informative
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the heart of Civil War history at Carnton Plantation, a poignant site of the Battle of Franklin and a testament to human resilience.
"A deeply moving and informative experience that brings history to life with passionate guides."
🎯 Book Combo Tickets
Save money and gain deeper insight by booking a package that includes the Carter House tour .
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a good amount of walking on the grounds and inside the historic house.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Carnton House Tour
Main Plantation House
Step back in time and hear the poignant stories of the Civil War and the McGavock family's resilience.
Confederate Cemetery
Onsite
A solemn resting place for over 1,500 Confederate soldiers who fell in the Battle of Franklin.
The Grounds and Osage Orange Tree
Exterior grounds
Wander the historic grounds and see one of Tennessee's oldest Osage Orange trees, a witness to history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History, Prepare for Emotion
Maximize Your Visit with Combo Tickets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Combo Tickets
Save money and gain deeper insight by booking a package that includes the Carter House tour.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a good amount of walking on the grounds and inside the historic house.
🗣️ Engage with Guides
Tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate; ask questions!
😢 Prepare for Emotion
The history is powerful and can be emotionally impactful.
Very limited time in Franklin - what were your favorite battlefield areas?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Combo Tickets
Save money and gain deeper insight by booking a package that includes the Carter House tour.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a good amount of walking on the grounds and inside the historic house.
🗣️ Engage with Guides
Tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate; ask questions!
😢 Prepare for Emotion
The history is powerful and can be emotionally impactful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Carnton Plantation for its deeply informative and emotionally resonant tours, highlighting the passionate and knowledgeable guides. The site's historical significance, particularly its role in the Battle of Franklin and the story of Carrie McGavock, is a major draw. While the content can be intense, the overall experience is highly recommended for its educational value and powerful storytelling.
"I should have paid more attention in History class. It was a great tour, and the tour guides are very educated and passionate about this home. I would say take the tour it was AMAZING"
Lori Fleming
"Fantastic experience and tour. Kristi was passionate, thorough, and so engaging. Carnton makes an effort to teach history in all its facets, without sugarcoating or shying away from difficult truths. They focus on telling whole human story here instead of getting too hung up on the antiques in the house or the politics of battle (though they can absolutely speak to both of those things, too) Highly recommended."
Merry Gordon
"Great experience today, with Jeff as our guide! The tour was very informative and the Carnton house is curated very nicely. I would highly recommend the combination ticket that includes the Carter home as well. I would also recommend visiting the Carter home before Carnton. Highlights of the tour include: local history, Confederate Cemetery, family Holy Bible, and one of the oldest Osage Orange trees in Tennessee!"
Courtney Morgan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carnton Plantation is located at 1345 Eastern Flank Circle, Franklin, TN 37064. It's easily accessible by car from Nashville and surrounding areas. Many visitors drive, and parking is available on-site.
Public transportation options directly to Carnton Plantation are limited. It's best to plan for a car journey or rideshare service from Franklin or Nashville.
The main visitor center houses the museum and gift shop, with tours departing from there. The house and cemetery are within walking distance on the grounds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the tour package. Combination tickets for Carnton and the Carter House offer the best value. Check their official website for current pricing.
While walk-ins are sometimes possible, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular tour times or during peak season, to secure your spot.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's essential to check the official Carnton Plantation website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.
Discounts may be available for seniors, military personnel, or children. The combination ticket is also a great way to save if you plan to visit multiple historic sites.
A standard tour typically includes a guided exploration of the historic Carnton House, focusing on its role in the Civil War and the lives of its inhabitants.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A typical guided tour of the Carnton House lasts about 45-60 minutes. Exploring the grounds and cemetery can add additional time.
Carnton offers a valuable historical lesson, but the content can be intense. Parents should consider their children's age and sensitivity to historical events.
The cemetery is the final resting place for over 1,500 Confederate soldiers who died during the Battle of Franklin, making it one of the largest Confederate cemeteries in the country.
Photography policies can change, but generally, personal photography without flash is permitted inside the house. Always check for signage or ask your guide.
Carnton occasionally hosts special events, living history demonstrations, and educational programs. Check their website for an events calendar.
📸 📸 Photography
The grounds offer beautiful opportunities, especially during golden hour.
Photography inside the house is usually allowed without flash. It's always best to confirm with your tour guide or check for posted rules.
Many visitors capture historical architecture, poignant cemetery shots, and scenic landscape photos, particularly during sunrise or sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the house tour is engaging, younger children might find it long. The expansive grounds offer space to explore, and the Confederate Cemetery provides a solemn lesson in history. Visiting the visitor center's museum can also offer a more accessible introduction to the site's significance for younger minds.
🏛️ History Buffs
Don't miss the opportunity to learn about Carrie McGavock's incredible humanitarian efforts and the strategic importance of the plantation during the war. The combination ticket with the Carter House is highly recommended for a comprehensive understanding of the battle's impact on the Franklin area.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for late afternoon visits to capture the magical 'golden hour' light that bathes the plantation in a warm glow, perfect for landscape and architectural shots. While interior photography is usually permitted without flash, the exterior and grounds offer the most dramatic and evocative scenes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Battle of Franklin: A Turning Point
During the battle, the McGavock family, led by Carrie McGavock, opened their home to tend to the wounded soldiers. This act of profound humanity earned Carrie the moniker 'The Widow of the South.' Her dedication to caring for soldiers from both sides of the conflict is a central theme explored during tours, highlighting the personal cost of war.
Exploring Carnton offers a visceral connection to this pivotal moment in American history. The stories shared by guides bring the past to life, emphasizing the bravery, sacrifice, and immense suffering experienced on these very grounds. It's a place that encourages reflection on the human impact of conflict.
Carrie McGavock: The 'Widow of the South'
Despite the immense danger and the overwhelming task, Carrie and her household staff worked tirelessly to provide care, comfort, and solace to the dying. She personally tended to soldiers, wrote letters for them, and ensured they were buried with dignity. Her unwavering commitment to humanity in the face of such widespread devastation earned her widespread respect and the enduring title 'The Widow of the South'.
Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact one individual can have. Tours at Carnton often highlight her remarkable life and her dedication to alleviating suffering, making her a central figure in the plantation's narrative.
Exploring the Grounds and Cemetery
The plantation is also home to one of the oldest Osage Orange trees in Tennessee, a silent sentinel that has witnessed centuries of history.A significant feature of the grounds is the Confederate Cemetery, where over 1,500 Confederate soldiers who perished in the Battle of Franklin are laid to rest. It's a place for quiet contemplation and remembrance, a stark reminder of the human cost of the war. The meticulously maintained cemetery is a poignant tribute to the fallen.
Many visitors find walking the grounds to be a deeply reflective experience, offering a different perspective on the historical events. The open spaces and natural beauty provide a peaceful setting for understanding the broader context of the battle and its aftermath.
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