Things to do in Franklin, Tennessee (TN): The Best Historic Sites

The compelling story of the times, the family, and the fine antiques of the Civil War era. The Lotz House, which has been on the National Historic Register since 1976, is located in the heart of downtown historic Franklin, Tennessee, at “the epicenter” of the Battle of Franklin, which was a pivotal battle of the Civil War on November 30, 1864. The House was the most heavily damaged structure on the Franklin battlefield. Walk in to witness the damage from the cannon balls that crash through the house and numerous bloodstains on all the floors. Plus on this tour, your will learn about the family, the Master Wood Worker who built the home by himself, how the family survived and how the bloody battle affected them for the balance of their lives! Reservation are not required for Guided tours of the historic home. In addition, walking battlefield tours and an archeological tours are also available, but please call for reservations. Please join us as we step back into Civil War history.

In 1968, a 16 year-old Battle Ground Academy student by the name of Vance Ormes gathered several of his parents’ friends and formed the Pull-Tight Players in Historic Downtown Franklin, with a debut production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. Through the years, the Pull-Tight Players garnered a reputation for excellence in community theatre through performances in locations as varied as an old jailhouse on Bridge Street, a Holiday Inn, two schools, a Main Street loft, and even an outdoor space at Carter’s Court before finding permanent residence in its current location on Second Avenue in 1985. As befits Pull-Tight’s own colorful history, this charming historic building has served as host over the years to its own litany of tenants, from a church and a grocery store to a restaurant and antique shop, before becoming home to Pull-Tight’s special brand of entertainment. Today, Pull-Tight celebrates 45 years of providing quality theatre and arts programs to the Williamson County and greater Nashville community through its six mainstage shows each year, as well as its Junior Youth Actors Guild program. We are proud to be a vital part of this community, offering quality entertainment that uplifts, provokes thought, and brings joy to our audiences. Thank you for your continued support of Pull-Tight Theatre and the arts in Williamson County.

The Carter House was built around 1830 by Fountain Branch Carter. By the time of the Civil War it was a large agricultural operation. In the years leading up to the Civil War nearly thirty enslaved people lived and worked on the farm. The Carter home and property was consumed by the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864. The house served as headquarters for the United States Army during the battle. One of the Carter sons was mortally wounded during the terrible fighting and died in the house two days later. Sixty minute Classic house tours are offered as well as Battlefield, Slavery, and Extended tours.

Carnton was built around 1826 by Randal McGavock, an early settler in Middle Tennessee. By the time of the Civil War, Carnton was home to John and Carrie McGavock and it was a large working farm. Over forty enslaved people lived and worked at Carnton in the years leading up to the Civil War. On November 30, 1864, the site was witness to the Battle of Franklin. Carnton became the largest field hospital in the area following the terrible battle, and in 1866 the McGavock Confederate Cemetery was established nearby. Today the cemetery holds the remains of nearly 1,500 Southern soldiers. The family and enslaved cemeteries are also on site. Sixty minutes Classic house tours are offered as well as Extended, Slavery, Battlefield, and Behind the Scenes tours.