Carter House

The Carter House is a federal style brick residence on Columbia Avenue accompanied by several outbuildings including a smokehouse, kitchen structure, and office building. The property today gives visitors a clear sense of how a substantial 19th century family home and its working grounds were organized and used.

The house served as a command center during the 1864 Battle of Franklin when a Union general occupied it for military operations. The family sought shelter in the basement while fighting raged around the property.

The property stands as a memorial to both military and civilian experiences during the American Civil War through daily educational tours.

Plan for limited interior space, so comfortable clothing is recommended for exploring the rooms. Access is mainly through the main building, though the grounds are also accessible for walking around the property.

The exterior walls bear more than 1,000 bullet holes from the 1864 fighting, still visible in their original condition today. These marks serve as silent evidence of how intense the combat around the property truly was.

Location: Franklin

Part of: Franklin Battlefield

GPS coordinates: 35.90361,-86.86611

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03