Top 10 Historic Sites in Tennessee, United States

At the place of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'S death in 1968 in Memphis, TN, the National Civil Rights Museum is a renowned educational and cultural institution. The Museum chronicles the American Civil Rights Movement with compelling presentations of iconic exhibits, oral histories of lesser-known civil rights foot soldiers, and visceral, in-the-moment experiences. Visitors will learn through emotionally charged, multi-user, multi-touch interactives, and a visually engaging, contemporary exhibit design that guides you through five centuries of history. Bring the whole family.

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.

Belmont Mansion is the largest house museum in Tennessee and one of only a few whose history revolves around the life of a woman: Adelicia Acklen. The historic house is open to visitors for tours. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. The house is also one of Nashville's most popular rental venues for weddings and events.

History and hospitality...two words that have been at the foundation of Belle Meade for over 200 years. In the 1800s, Belle Meade was one of the largest and wealthiest private estates in Nashville, raising the nation's finest thoroughbred race horses. Having hosted celebrities, presidents, generals, and a wealth of revered turfmen, Belle Meade became Nashville's first attraction. Located just seven miles west of downtown Nashville, today this sanctuary of Southern hospitality offers Guided Tours, Food and Wine Pairings, Bourbon Tastings, Segway Tours, outstanding Gift Shops, Nashville's first Winery, an on-site Restaurant, an Outdoor Game Court, and some of the most beautiful Grounds in Nashville.

The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson, is one of the largest and most visited presidential homes in the United States, and recently named the #1 historic house in Tennessee. Today, The Hermitage is a 1,120-acre National Historic Landmark with over 30 historic buildings, that welcomes some 200,000 annual visitors, including 30,000 schoolchildren, from all 50 states and many foreign countries. Visit Andrew Jackson's Hermitage to witness "The Duel: The Art of the Southern Gentleman." This 30-minute visitor experience will answer questions about dueling followed by an ACTUAL demonstration by our historic re-enactors. “The Duel” takes place every Thursday through Sunday throughout the day, free with paid admission.

Visitors can tour the tunnels used by runaway slaves who stopped at this plantation, one of the stations of the Underground Railroad.

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.

Experience Cheekwood, the 55-acre estate built by the Maxwell House Coffee fortune in Nashville, Tennessee, and one of the finest examples of an American Country Place Era Estate in the United States. The Botanical Garden is a spectacular showcase of color and horticultural diversity with eleven specialty display gardens and stunning natural landscape. The Museum of Art has collections of Painting, Sculpture and Decorative Arts. Visitors can enjoy year-round family-friendly activities with four distinct festivals held during the year. From Cheekwood in Bloom with more than 100,000 tulips in the Spring, to a children’s wonderland of Christmas trees, Trains, Santa, live reindeer, and more during Holiday LIGHTS, Cheekwood celebrates the seasons in style with something for everyone!

Sun Studio - The place where an 18 year old Elvis Presley recorded his first song. It’s well-known in the music industry as "The Birthplace of Rock 'N' Roll" and the most famous recording studio in the world. Opened by rock pioneer Sam Phillips in 1950, this national Historic Landmark is where superstar musicians like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and countless others started their recording careers. Today, Sun Studio still serves as a recording studio in the evenings while hosting public tours during the daytime hours.

Historic Mansker's Station includes this fort, built in 1779, which is staffed by interpreters dressed in 18th Century attire who explain the history of the region's earliest settlement, and also includes the oldest standing brick home in Middle Tennessee, the Bowen House. Historic Mansker's Station provides the opportunity to experience life on the frontier and life on the plantation with interactive stations with a personal tour guide.