Carnton, Franklin

Carnton Plantation is an exceptionally storied home rich in Civil War history and well restored with original furnishing of the owners and period correct pieces. The guided tour is really exciting and in such detail to make you feel you were present at battle of Franklin. Leah, our tour guide, was incredibly knowledgeable about the Plantation's family and their history. If you enjoy Civil War history or simply want to tour an old, well maintained and furnish 1830's-1860's mansion, you don't want to miss this place. Due to all the fragile antiques and nature of the tour, this not the best activity for young children. There is ample parking, a large vistors center and gift shop.

We walked the grounds and read the markers. Such a fascinating story. This family home was surrounded by 40,000 soldiers during the Battle of Franklin. After just five hours 9,500 American soldiers on both sides had either been killed, were wounded or were missing. The numbers are staggering. Be sure to read about the women of the area, including Sarah Gaunt and learn about the history of the cemetery. Clean bathrooms. The grounds were stroller and walker friendly. Gardens must be beautiful in the spring/summer.

Visiting this mansion was a great experience. Our guide was extremely prepared about the family and history and was so engaging. Lots of the furniture present in the house were retrieved back from the original family. The story of the battle adds an extra layer to the visit. Totally recommend it

Very cool historical site. My parents and I went with my 11 month old twins for the basic tour. It was $18 a person. There were several other people there and I had to carry the babies because no strollers or anything are allowed in the house due to all the antique furniture and stuff in there. I only got to see two rooms before I had to leave and give the babies a snack. The rooms were beautiful and all period correct with actual belongings from the house loaned by family members. The tour guide was very informative, my parents said upstairs and downstairs was really neat. I missed most of the tour but one of the employees was really sweet and gave me a little booklet thing so I could read and look at pictures of what I missed. If you pay for the basic tour you can still walk the grounds to see the garden, slave house, smoke house, spring house etc by yourself. The ground was hilly and bumpy so I wouldn't recommend pushing a stroller on it. Everything is maintained well and there are several signs explaining what things are. Right next door is the Confederate and McGavock family cemetery (including some of the slaves). The cemetery has several signs with information about it. Pretty sad past but very interesting. There's also a gift shop there where you buy your tour ticket. I wouldn't suggest bringing any small children here because they will be bored and it will be a struggle keeping them from touching things. Anyone handicapped would have a hard time you with all the standing and steep stairs to go upstairs plus all the walking outside. They have bathrooms right by the gift shop that were mostly clean.

Shot a beautiful wedding in the garden that was in full bloom in the month of June!! Came back to do Golden Hour photos with the couple and there were 3 fawns with their mama. The garden was magical, and the light was beautiful for our photos.