The Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee

The Civil War and the era of the old south are part of American history. The tale of Americas coming of age can not be told without mention of the war between the states, southern belles and plantations. History buffs and folks just interested in the old south way of life will love a trip to the historic Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee.

Built by Nashville Mayor Randall McGavock in 1826, the plantations early years were filled with meeting and visits from the countries movers and shakers. Andrew Jackson, then President of the United States was a frequent visitor. He, his wife Carrie and two children lived in the house their entire lives.

The Carnton Plantation is indeed a fantastic trip for the history buff. The home was used during the Battle of Franklin, reputedly the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, as the South's largest military hospital. More than 1400 soldiers killed in that battle are buried in the adjacent property. Although the home has since been restored great pools of blood have stained the floors and are still visible today.

Visiting the house includes a guided tour. Evening tours are especially exciting. The Carnton Plantation is known as the most haunted house in Tennessee and ghosts always seem to appear during an evening tour. The guide takes you through the home in costume and regales you with tales of various ghosts thought to populate that area. There are several photos on display of unexplained visions and circumstance around the home and property.

The gardens are also on the tour route. Vegetables, flowers, herbs and medicinal plants as well as ornamentals and bushes all adorn the property. Some of the original garden landscaping is still present as well as improvements made by the family over the ensuing years. Horticulturists especially enjoy the guided tour of the gardens and property which contains several uncommon species of plants.

Taking a solemn walk through the confederate cemetery is another part of the tour that cant be missed. The bloody battle that occurred right on these very grounds resulted in hundreds and hundreds of soldiers losing their life and laying on the Carnton property forever. The cemetery has been cleaned and cared for by descendants of the fallen soldiers and the Carnton Plantation Society. Some of the markers have names and dates while many others are unknown.

The McLemore House is another staple of this tour. Although not on the Carnton Plantation property, it is just around the corner and is one of the few remaining homes bought by a freed slave. Harvey McClemore purchased the house and lived in it until his death. The McGavock estate kept it preserved and in condition for 117 years.

The tour also includes a museum and gift shop. Several books have been written about the McGavocks, the Battle of Franklin and and other pertinent occurrences which can be purchased on site. View photos from the family archives and catch a glimpse of the home when it was in its hey day.

Weddings and special events can be scheduled here as well as group tours. It is a valuable part of history and offers us a way to experience the past and stand in the very spot that shaped the area forever. It is a trip worth taking for any traveler.

***I have used my own experience as well as http://www.carnton.org/history.htm