Carter House

Carter House was built in 1830 by Fountain Branch Carter. 34 years later, the small brick farmhouse would bear witness to the bloody Battle of Franklin, in which more than 9,500 soldiers were killed, wounded, captured, or listed as missing.

During the battle, Union Brigadier General Jacob D. Cox made the home his headquarters, while the Carter family along with the Lotz family (who lived in the Lotz House across the street) and several enslaved people hid in the basement. As the battle raged outside, Fountain Branch Carter’s son Tod, who was serving as an aide to a Confederate General, was seriously wounded in combat not far from his family home. He was brought to the house, where he died two days later.

Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the home (as well as Carnton) and explore the grounds and outbuildings as well. Tours last about an hour and depart every 30-40 minutes. A variety of specialized tours on topics ranging from slavery to the battlefield itself are offered throughout the week as well.