Carnton
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
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.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- annhhowell31 contributionsLovely place with historical signifiance.The Carnton House was an interesting way to immerse ourselves in the Civil War Battle of Franklin (TN). Tickets can be purchased in advance online through the Battle of Franklin Trust or, as we did, on the day of in the gift shop. Carnton, a private residence, served as a field hospital for the battle. I appreciated how Christian, our tour guide, personalized the tour with stories of how the family and civilians were affected when they suddenly found themselves part of a Civil War battlefield. There are two cemeteries on the property. One for family, and the second, two acres the family set aside in 1866 for the final resting place of nearly 1,500 killed during the battle. The visitor's center has additional information and a gift shop, plus there are several outbuildings and a garden. Lovely grounds and story if you are interested in the Civil War/history.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 16 October 2023
- bjminparis25 contributionsGreat tourUnique Civil War story about a house close to the battle used as a hospital. The family then buried the dead in a cemetery near the house. Tour included Civil War history and background info, story of the battle, story of the family who lived there. Lots of detail, house and outlying buildings are very nice.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 October 2023
- Cheri B1 contributionGreat findI had a few hours in Franklin and happened to find the Carnton Plantation. What a great find. The grounds are beautiful. Our tour guide, David, did an excellent job. His tour was interesting, myth busting and really gave a historical account of the property and the battle at Franklin.Visited August 2024Travelled soloWritten 9 August 2024
- Shaun MSouth Fulton, Tennessee18 contributionsA most if you love Civil War history.I told the extended tour at 11 a.m. with Dave. He did a great job with his first extended tour. For the first part of the tour which was the inside of the house I was in a group with a family from Ireland which was very cool to me. Dave was very knowledgeable about the Carnton Plantation and the Battle of Franklin. I would totally recommend taking any of the tours here. Dave it was great to get a tour from you and I loved getting to hear a West Kentucky accent.Visited August 2024Travelled soloWritten 27 August 2024
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4.5
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scott r
Silver Spring, MD769 contributions
Jul 2020
The history makes this visit, though the house itself is impressive (no interior photo rule, grrr... though it's quite popular, so perhaps that would make tours unwieldy - at least in a place like this you can understand). Knowledgeable, communicative tour guide, really elevates the experience. The story of one's house being turned into a field hospital and living (participating) through it all - plus the dedication of the former owners in preserving the memories, cemetery was really striking. It is a destination visit, so tour must keep to schedule and you will certainly not be part of a small group, but it's managed well. Combo ticket with Carter is available and worth adding for full context. The small separate museum does not really add much and could be more developed.
Written 16 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lauren_bergen
Bellevue, NE152 contributions
Sept 2020 • Solo
I came for the house but learned so much more about the back story and came away with a greater knowledge of the innocent lives that were so greatly impacted by the civil war. With Will as our guide, he did an excellent job of narrating the history and always leaving an air of suspense on what happened next when we would visit another room and continue the story. I felt at times that I was actually living the moment as he was describing what was going on. From the fear of knowing that cannons were about a mile out, to the home becoming a field hospital with blood stains to this day on the floor, one wonders how a family could ever overcome the shock of what they endured. But endured they did, which shows the resiliency of what the human spirit is made of. The family even made sure that bodies were identified, buried, marked, and the cemetery maintained. There is so much to see and learn here.
Written 8 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Napunani
San Antonio, TX3,596 contributions
Dec 2019
We arrived at Carlton House at 145pm for the 2pm guided tour of the main house (first and second floor) that lasted one hour.
November 30, 1864 the Civil War Battle of Franklin occurred across the farm grounds and the house became a Confederate field hospital where hundreds of wounded were brought. The wooden floors are still stained with the blood of those wounded.
Our docent was superb! Very articulate. No question from the group went unanswered.
Along with the house, there are 7 other areas to view/visit.
Unfortunately, our time was limited and we were only able to enjoy the main house tour. We tried to enter the cemetery, but the iron gate was locked. We asked the grounds personnel for access, but they were too busy to unlock the gate. I would surmise you could spend a good hour reading headstones, once access is granted. There is a very nice gift shop where you purchase your tour ticket along with a small historical exhibit.
I would recommend no less than 4 hours on-site to experience it all and to walk through the Eastern Flank Battlefield Park that has nearly a mile of trails and 20 interpretive markers.
November 30, 1864 the Civil War Battle of Franklin occurred across the farm grounds and the house became a Confederate field hospital where hundreds of wounded were brought. The wooden floors are still stained with the blood of those wounded.
Our docent was superb! Very articulate. No question from the group went unanswered.
Along with the house, there are 7 other areas to view/visit.
Unfortunately, our time was limited and we were only able to enjoy the main house tour. We tried to enter the cemetery, but the iron gate was locked. We asked the grounds personnel for access, but they were too busy to unlock the gate. I would surmise you could spend a good hour reading headstones, once access is granted. There is a very nice gift shop where you purchase your tour ticket along with a small historical exhibit.
I would recommend no less than 4 hours on-site to experience it all and to walk through the Eastern Flank Battlefield Park that has nearly a mile of trails and 20 interpretive markers.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer R
56 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We are civil war enthusiasts, and were excited to see this place. The grounds were beautiful, and they do a great job taking care of the home. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, educating us on many things regarding the events surrounding this place.
Written 17 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2Travelers2Go
United States685 contributions
Jul 2021
Historic property worth a stop but not worth going out of your way for.
As others have said, you feel like a herd of cattle as one tour group is right on the heels of another. You are hearing loud, off-kilter stereo versions of the guides' information which is very distracting.
I don't understand why the "no inside photos" policy continues to remain at places like this. I can understand why at most solemn places but Carnton tours go out of their way to mention and point out (over and over) the grisley details where the bloodstains are on the floor and herd people through like cattle, so it's not like it's exactly treated like "sacred" space.
As others have said, you feel like a herd of cattle as one tour group is right on the heels of another. You are hearing loud, off-kilter stereo versions of the guides' information which is very distracting.
I don't understand why the "no inside photos" policy continues to remain at places like this. I can understand why at most solemn places but Carnton tours go out of their way to mention and point out (over and over) the grisley details where the bloodstains are on the floor and herd people through like cattle, so it's not like it's exactly treated like "sacred" space.
Written 11 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JKDay
Kansas City, MO54 contributions
Mar 2021
I usually don’t get emotional on a tour but our tour guide was such an incredible and gifted storyteller that it felt like the events happened just a few weeks ago. The moment of silence and respect at the beginning of the tour set the stage for the experience in a powerful way. Our guide was engaging, thoughtful and truly wanted us to understand the complexities of this particular battle and persons involved. I’m so thankful I spent time here on this beautiful land learning about the lives lived and lost here. Please put this on your list of things to experience!
Written 20 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen
Green Bay, WI12 contributions
Jun 2021
This house and grounds is surely a place of reflection as to what went on on this sacred ground. Our tour guide painted a picture of what happened that was so real you felt as if you were right there during the Battle of Franklin. The blood , the fallen
men some as young as 16, you could picture each side coming over the hills toward each other. The house and the family stuck in the middle of it all. But with it all going on around them they turned their home into a field hospital, helping the wounded and
dying. The compassion of Carrie McGavock was a testament to who she was as a woman, mother and wife. The family and confederate cemetery are haunting to walk through. This family and the community came together to bury all 1400 men that lost their lives that day. The family cemetery also has the family slaves buried with them as well, which another testament to the family.
After the tour of home, the cemetery is must walk through to get the fast death that occur on this site.
men some as young as 16, you could picture each side coming over the hills toward each other. The house and the family stuck in the middle of it all. But with it all going on around them they turned their home into a field hospital, helping the wounded and
dying. The compassion of Carrie McGavock was a testament to who she was as a woman, mother and wife. The family and confederate cemetery are haunting to walk through. This family and the community came together to bury all 1400 men that lost their lives that day. The family cemetery also has the family slaves buried with them as well, which another testament to the family.
After the tour of home, the cemetery is must walk through to get the fast death that occur on this site.
Written 13 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheri D
6 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
This was probably the best tour I’ve ever been on. Our tour guide Cheri was awesome. She was very informative and told the history of the family and house in a way that was totally captivating. We’ve been to a couple similar tours in the area, but I would recommend this one over the others.
Written 22 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JenniferandAlan
Easton, PA894 contributions
May 2019
When I read The Widow of the South years ago I never dreamed that I would actually see and tour the house. The McGavock home was used as a field hospital for the Confederates during the Battle of Franklin during the Civil War. The tour was great. We were able to see the rooms furnished with period furniture and the painting of the McGavock's departed children. We even saw the bedroom where the surgeries were done and the blood stains on the wood floor. You could imagine the scene. Then the family donated 2 acres for a Confederate cemetery which Carrie, the wife, cared for for many years. You could also visit the cemetery. What a step back in time.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cheri975
League City, TX55 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
This is a powerfully moving tour. It's so rich in history and we were just in awe of everything that took place here during the Battle of Franklin. Our tour guide was excellent as he talked throughout the home giving such details of what was happening at the time. It brought such realness as if we were right there. This is a must see.
Written 21 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where do you purchase the combo ticket including all 3 properties, Carton, Carter and Lotz Museum?
Written 20 September 2017
EricJacobson
Franklin, Tennessee
Hi, You can indeed purchase the Value Ticket at any of the three sites. There is also a Combination Ticket for just Carter House and Carnton. Thanks.
Written 25 September 2017
Above days and times correct. Major holidays include New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas. Also, the last tour begins at 4 p.m.
Written 2 August 2017
Can you visit the plantain without taking a tour and without paying?
Written 25 May 2017
I can't say for sure since our hosts paid for our tickets. I know you must have a ticket to enter the plantation house, but I think you can walk around the grounds (gardens and cemeteries) without purchasing a ticket since those areas are not tour related. I hope this helps.
Written 25 May 2017
So for 2 adults and 2 children to visit the trio of houses it would cost $48 for the kids and $90 for us for the discounted 3 houses ticket - so that's $138! It 's not affordable for us to visit more than 1 place with the two kids.
Written 15 April 2017
To be honest my kids were bored at all three houses, 7 and 9. It was more of an adult thing. The best house/tour was the carter house. The tour guide was very knowledgeable.
Written 15 April 2017
EricJacobson
Franklin, Tennessee
Hi, the price for children aged 6-15 is $8 per child.
Thanks.
Written 4 April 2017
Where do you purchase your tickets? I would assume it's cheaper to buy a ticket for all 3?
Written 30 March 2017
EricJacobson
Franklin, Tennessee
Hi, You may purchase tickets at either Carnton or the Carter House visitor centers. It is $1 cheaper to purchase a Value Ticket if you are planning to visit all three homes (including Lotz House). I hope this helps. Thanks and we look forward to seeing you.
Written 30 March 2017
How long would it take to tour all 3 venues (Lotz, Carnton, Carter)?
Written 18 June 2016
i would start with the Carlton house, then go across the street to Lotz and tour the Carnton plantation last. The Carlton and Lotz give you all of the background and actual events of the battle, while the Carnton Plantation was during the battle but also the aftermath. The Cemetery there is very touching. For me, it was a perfect ending to our day and all that took place in Franklin.
I would agree with the other posts. You can tour all of the houses in 2- 2 1/2 hours... but there is so much to see and feel...don't hurry! It is a GREAT place.
Written 19 June 2016
our group of 4 plan to visit carnon plantation and the other civil war attractionsaround july 18th but all i see is a tuesday tour out of nashville i am hoping that you can send me your information
Written 30 May 2016
We did not take a tour out of Nashville. We drove our own car to Franklin to visit all three locations. There is no need to make a reservation for the tours. You can purchase a special package rate at any of the three sites.
Written 1 June 2016
Where can you buy the "value package" tickets for this tour? Do you need reservations?
Written 7 August 2015
At the Plantation is all I know. I do not know if they are available in advamce or on the website. Everyone we encountered was extremely helpful and gracious so I would just call them (number is on the website) and ask. We got there fairly early in the day and our tour was not full. Enjoy it, we loved it.
Written 8 August 2015
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