Eastern Flank Battle Field Park

If you love history it should be on your list. A casual walk through the area to appreciate…read morehistory. While there were a lot of homeless in the area you are still able to enjoy the history.

While I'm about as Yankee as they come, I do understand that there's a certain appeal about the…read moreSouth and the Confederacy that's more than just what many people think. And so I believe that there is nothing wrong with honoring people who fought and died valiantly and with honor. That's what this monument is about. Located in the middle of a two-lane traffic circle on Main Street in Franklin, this Confederate soldier, like many of these monuments, faces south with his back to the Union. He is "protected" by four cannon facing in each direction. And the caption reads that he was erected by the Daughters of the Confederacy in 1899. It is a nice monument and a fitting tribute.

The Confederate Soldiers Monument in Franklin, TN

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Franklin Downtown Historic District

3.0(1 review)

This marker is located in the Franklin Public Square, opposite the Williamson County Courthouse and…read morethe Franklin City Hall. It points out the history of the architecture here and is an interesting read. The marker reads, "The town of Franklin was developed in 1799 by Abram Maury, who acquired the land from Major Anthony Sharpe. The original town, consisting of 109 acres, was composed of sixteen blocks divided into 188 lots centered on a 2-acre public square. The public square was donated to the county, upon which the first two courthouses were built. The historic district, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, is outlined by Margin streets on the north and south and include First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth avenues running north and south, and Church, Main, and Bridge streets running east and west. Over 300 commercial and residential buildings lie within the district. Franklin received its town charter in 1815." The reverse of the marker has an image of Abram Maury's original plat of Franklin. The marker was erected in 2015 by the Williamson County Historical Society "In memory of Janice Hughes Swartz, 'The Cellar on Main Street'" and was Donated by Avalyn Berry Swain. [Review 20068 overall - 424 in Tennessee - 1044 of 2023.]

Franklin Downtown Historic District Marker

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Franklin Downtown Historic District Marker

Carnton

4.5(123 reviews)

0.3 mi

The staff here is really the hidden gem on Carnton house. They are conversational in the gift shop…read moreand the tour guides are wonderful. Full of energy and information. And every tour helps preserve a piece of history. So take the time out, visit the grounds and take a tour. You will not be disappointed.

Carnton is an interesting historical spot. The property is well maintained with options for walking…read morethe property and/or touring the home. A small museum is in the Visitor's Center. A paved parking lot is available near the Visitor's Center. In that building you can buy tickets and tour the museum. The shop has some souvenirs as well as some packaged snacks and bottled water. Restrooms are nearby. Adult admission for the one hour house tour and grounds is $22 per person. Children under six are free. The museum was small, but worth looking at before heading off on the tour. The one hour home tour was interesting and offered plenty of opportunities to ask questions. The guide seemed knowledgeable and enjoyed answering questions.

Beautiful historical home.

View into the museum from the gift shop.

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The Franklin Riot of 1867

3.0(1 review)

This marker stands in front of the Williamson County and opposite Franklin City Hall. As with many…read moremarkers, it provides some context to other statues and monuments in public squares across the south. It is worth reading to remember the struggles that people went though for equal rights and to show the struggles that some exhibited to prevent them. The marker reads, "The Franklin Riot of 1867. Carnival of Blood. Several armed clashes occurred among political groups and the white and black populations after the Civil War. In May 1866, Memphis rioters killed about fifty. In July, a riot engulfed New Orleans, killing almost 240 including more than 200 U.S. Colored Troops veterans. Fortunately, Franklin did not experience such levels of violence, but on July 6, 1867, an incident in this square reflected the boiling tensions in the post-war South. On that day, several Republican candidates (called Radicals) made speeches in the courthouse without incident. Later, Joe Williams, an African American aligned with the Democrats (conservatives), spoke there. Some Radicals clashed with Conservatives, John L. Houseformer Confederate officer, struck J.C. Bliss, a white merchant aligned with the Radicals. Members of the Union League (a bi-racial group affiliated with the Republican Party) also were present, and tempers flared. The League members left after firing a few shots into the air, and the tension increased through the late afternoon, as Conservatives (also a bi-racial group) gathered in the public square and near John House's store. Just after 8 P.M., the Union League marched into the square, heavily armed. According to A.N.C. Williams, the Leaguers had informed House they would lay down their arms, but as they passed the Conservatives, a white Conservative fired two pistol shots into the Leaguers, who returned fire. White Conservative Michael Cody was killed, and six white and several black members were wounded. Twenty-seven Leaguers were wounded; most had been shot in the back. Dr. Daniel B. Cliffe, a Unionist, helped treat the wounded. United States soldiers arrived from Nashville the next day to restore order." The marker includes three photographs. There is parking in the square. [Review 20066 overall - 422 in Tennessee - 1042 of 2023.]

Main Street Festival

3.3(9 reviews)

•$$

I'm writing this from an artist's perspective. I participated in this show years ago, and at one…read moretime it was truly excellent. Local residents showed up in droves and genuinely valued -- and purchased -- handmade work. I made five to $7000 twenty years ago. Unfortunately, the show has changed significantly. It now draws large crowds, many of whom appear to be bused in from outside the area. While attendance is high, sales are not. The loyal local audience seems to have been pushed out by the increased congestion, and many no longer attend. Equally disappointing is the noticeable decline in handmade goods. Walking the show this year, I spoke with several talented artists who shared that they struggled to cover even their basic expenses and do not plan to return. It's a real shame that the show has declined like it has. It used to be a beautiful show and Franklin is a nice town.

I paid almost $500 for a booth at Main Street Festival. They put my booth location on 4th street…read more We had a fraction of the traffic on main and there were food trucks on the corner of main & 4th with lines that blocked entrance to our booths. The quality of booths on main looked like flea market vendors. What a waste of time and money

Photo credit: Historic Franklin

One of four "spokes" on the wheel. Plus side street events & displays. Great atmosphere.r

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Just like Nashville, music everywhere.

Fort Granger

4.7(3 reviews)

Though the fort is gone, this is still a cool place to visit. For me the best thing was looking out…read moreon the view below and realizing what a strategic location this Civil War fort was in. I am a huge history buff and I enjoy finding historic places in my travels. The past is not lost in our past, but remembering the past, both the good and bad, helps us in shaping today and our tomorrows. If you are in the area, check this place out.

Fantasizing history occurred here at Fort Granger. There are amazing landmarks and a beautiful…read moreoverlook of Figure's Bluff.

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Franklin Public Square During The Battle

3.0(1 review)

The two-sided marker is located along the Public Square in downtown Franklin. As with many of the…read moremarkers in Tennessee, it points out some of the Civil War history that happened through here as various battles took place and armies passed through. On the front of the marker, it reads, "Franklin Public Square During The Battle. At dawn on November 30, 1864, the Federal army under Maj Gen John M Schofield began streaming into Franklin after marching from Spring Hill in pitch darkness. The wagon bridges over the Harpeth River were out. Schofield ordered the intact railroad bridge planked over and temporary bridges built. All morning long, the Federal train of an estimated 800 wagons and 3,500 draft animals were coming into Franklin and jamming this Square, every side street, alley and woodlot. By noon, just as the last Federal wagon came past the Carter House, the bridges were ready and the wagon train began untangling itself. As the Confederate Army, commanded by Lt Gen John B Hood, began their assault at 4:00 PM, the entire Federal wagon train was safely across the river and the Federal army was waiting for darkness to conceal their planned retreat to Nashville." On the reverse, "U.S. Model 1841 6-Pounder Field Guns. In 1908, the U.S. War Dept. loaned the four bronze gun tubes on the Square to Franklin. The N.P. Ames Co. and Cyrus Alger & Co. in Mass. cast the guns between 1847 and 1861. These guns were among the last to display the decorative features found on early artillery pieces. Widely used during the Mexican War, they were considered obsolete by the onset of the Civil War. Effective range was 1,500 yards. Usually smoothbore, these four guns were rifled at some point during their service. Each gun tube, weighing 884 lbs., was mounted on a No. 1 Field Carriage that requires a six-horse team. In 2014, the cannons were transferred from concrete stands to replica gun carriages using grants from the Tennessee Historical Commission, Tennessee Wars Commission, the City of Franklin and donations from civic organizations, local businesses and citizens." It is helpful to have the field guns to better appreciate what it must have been like. There is street parking all around plus stores and restaurants and a really nice hotel. [Review 2009 of 2024 - 540 in Tennessee - 23031 overall]

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Franklin Public Square During The Battle, Franklin

The Franklin Theatre

4.7(57 reviews)

•$$

Great venue! This is a beautiful and historic theater, and the staff is always incredibly friendly…read moreand helpful. Because the theater is relatively small, there really isn't a bad seat in the house. They have some basic snacks and drinks, including a good selection of beer and wine. We try to make a point of keeping track of what shows and movies are coming to the Franklin Theatre, as it is always great to have an excuse to visit this great theater!

Still one of my favorite places to catch a musical act. They also show Holiday movies around…read moreChristmas and other films throughout the year. A true asset to the community.

Interior

Beautiful Theatre!!

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Popcorn on the Balcony

Franklin Walking Tours

5.0(28 reviews)

Locally owned & operated

Gift cards

The Franklin Haunted Walking Tour is an absolute MUST DO! When it started to sprinkle, the others…read morewho had booked ended up canceling. Instead of calling off the tour, Alicia gave me a private one. She was a phenomenal guide--her passion for Franklin, its rich history, and its community was obvious from the start. The tour was fun, dynamic, and incredibly insightful. Alicia shared each encounter with such historical accuracy and animated storytelling that I literally felt chills, all while feeding my love of learning about history and culture. Her reputation in the community is undeniable. Before, during, and after the tour, so many people spoke highly of both the quality of her tours and of her as a person. I originally found Franklin Walking Tours online, but once I arrived in town, every local I asked pointed me straight to Alicia--often described as "the tours with the lanterns." While we walked, it was clear how well-known and well-loved she is. Watching her interact with the community made the whole experience feel warm and welcoming, almost like being at home. Later, when I went to dinner, everyone who asked about my day lit up when I mentioned her tour and immediately started raving about it. Franklin Walking Tours are hands down a must when visiting. I will definitely be back to try the other tours--and I'm hoping to bring my family and maybe even redo this one. :)

Spontaneously decided to take the Grim and Ghostly tour last night. Alicia, our guide, is a…read morerelentless researcher of Franklin's history and I always learn something new. She's also a great speaker and delivers history with wit and charm! If you've never done a Franklin walking tour, you should definitely book one! If you have done a Franklin walking tour, you should go again because they always keep it fresh and fun.