Attraction Guide: Carnton, Franklin, United States

Carnton Guide

Carnton: Witness to History in Franklin, Tennessee Guide

Carnton is a historic home and museum in Franklin, Tennessee, that played a crucial role during the American Civil War. Serving as the largest field hospital after the Battle of Franklin in 1864, Carnton offers a poignant and powerful glimpse into the human cost of war. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in American history. Built in 1826 by Randal McGavock, Carnton was a prosperous plantation before the Civil War. The McGavock family, deeply rooted in Southern society, witnessed firsthand the devastation of the Battle of Franklin, which raged across their property. After the battle, the house and surrounding grounds were transformed into a makeshift hospital, where thousands of wounded soldiers from both sides received care. The McGavock family tended to the wounded, regardless of their allegiance. Today, Carnton is preserved as a museum, offering guided tours that vividly recount the events of the Battle of Franklin and the experiences of those who were treated at the field hospital. Visitors can explore the house, see the bloodstains left by the wounded soldiers, and learn about the lives of the McGavock family and the enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation. The grounds also include the McGavock Confederate Cemetery, the final resting place for nearly 1,500 Confederate soldiers who died in the Battle of Franklin.