About this experience
Get an inside look at the bloodiest hours of the American Civil War on this tour from Nashville to Franklin, the site of the famous Battle of Franklin in 1864. Learn from your knowledgeable guide about the war’s dark history as you visit the Carter House and Lotz House, which still bear bullet holes and blood stains. You’ll also tour the Carnton and learn about its role during and after the war, when it became the country's largest private Confederate cemetery.
At a glance
- Duration: 7 hr
What is included
- Round-Trip Transportation from Nashville Aboard Air-Conditioned Shuttle
- Admission to Carnton Plantation
- Admission to Lotz House
- Learn about The Battle of Franklin and how it included the bloodiest hours of the Civil War
- Admission to Carter House
- Spend time in the quaint historic town of Franklin to shop, eat, and view historic sites on your own
- Visit 3 historical homes located in the town of Franklin, TN
- 7-Hour Guided Civil War & History Day Tour from Nashville
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch (Lunch is on your own in downtown Franklin)
Itinerary and highlights
Please arrive at the Riverfront Train Station located at 108 1st Avenue South 15 minutes before the departure time.
Visit sites near where the Union and Confederate armies fought and hear stories from your knowledgeable guide about the Battle of Franklin, fought on November 30, 1864 and known by many as the five bloodiest hours of the Civil War.
Stop by the Carter House, located at the center of the Union position during the battle. The house and its outer buildings still show hundreds of bullet holes.
Next, enjoy free time in the quaint town of Franklin to shop, eat (own expense) and view other historic sites. You will then journey to the Carnton Plantation, ordered to be a Confederate field hospital by a Southern General and then made an eternal memorial to the Confederate soldiers by the mistress of the house.
Now, the plantation is home to the largest private Confederate cemetery in the US. Tour the plantation with your guide and hear narrative descriptions about that fateful battle and the aftermath of the war. After your tour, you’ll be taken back to your Nashville hotel.
At the Lotz House, which became a hospital after the battle, see cannon ball holes and bloodstains on the floors and walls, which bear witness to the savage nature of this horrific conflict. After touring these houses, you will be able to imagine how the residents of Franklin felt when they emerged from their homes on the morning after the battle to find more than 9,500 casualties.
Meeting and pickup information
- Tours depart from: Gray Line Ticket Booth at the Riverfront Train Station, 108 1st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37201 (off 1st Ave S, across from Acme Feed & Seed). Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to tour start time.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Gray Line Tennessee
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Lunch on your own in downtown Franklin.
- Accessibility: ADA-compliant vehicles are available for most tours if you provide us with a 48-hour notice. After scheduling your tour, please contact our Dispatch Office to confirm availability.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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