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Trip Planner:   USA  /  Tennessee  /  Franklin  /  Carnton

Carnton, Franklin

4.6
#2 of 53 in Things to do in Franklin
Battlefield · Historic Site
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Built as a typical plantation house, then transformed into an army hospital, Carnton is now a museum for Civil War enthusiasts. The museum is divided into three exhibits: the Battle of Franklin Trust, dedicated to the five bloodiest hours of the war; the Carter House, a brick home where one of the cruelest battles took place; and Carnton Plantation, property donated by the McGavock family as a memorial to the deceased. A nearby cemetery holds the graves of hundreds of soldiers. The Carter House is a setting in Robert Hicks’s novel "The Widow of the South." Arrange to visit Carnton and other attractions in Franklin using our Franklin visit website.
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Carnton reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,719 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • We just loved the tour of Carnton Plantation. Our tour guide was so knowledgable and answered all questions from those of us in the tour. The history of this home and the families that lived there.....  more
    We just loved the tour of Carnton Plantation. Our tour guide was so knowledgable and answered all questions from those of us in the tour. The history of this home and the families that lived there.....  more »
  • Fascinating to see the history and the details on the battle. Had an ancestor of the confederates who gave the tour - she was great. Sad to hear of what took place and it’s something everyone needs....  more
    Fascinating to see the history and the details on the battle. Had an ancestor of the confederates who gave the tour - she was great. Sad to hear of what took place and it’s something everyone needs....  more »
Google
  • Carnton Plantation is an exceptionally storied home rich in Civil War history and well restored with original furnishing of the owners and period correct pieces. The guided tour is really exciting and in such detail to make you feel you were present at battle of Franklin. Leah, our tour guide, was incredibly knowledgeable about the Plantation's family and their history. If you enjoy Civil War history or simply want to tour an old, well maintained and furnish 1830's-1860's mansion, you don't want to miss this place. Due to all the fragile antiques and nature of the tour, this not the best activity for young children. There is ample parking, a large vistors center and gift shop.
  • We walked the grounds and read the markers. Such a fascinating story. This family home was surrounded by 40,000 soldiers during the Battle of Franklin. After just five hours 9,500 American soldiers on both sides had either been killed, were wounded or were missing. The numbers are staggering. Be sure to read about the women of the area, including Sarah Gaunt and learn about the history of the cemetery. Clean bathrooms. The grounds were stroller and walker friendly. Gardens must be beautiful in the spring/summer.

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