City about 21 miles south of Nashville, noted for its many older buildings and neighborhoods
General Information
How to Get There
Overview
Franklin is a city in Williamson County, Tennessee, about 21 miles (34 km) south of Nashville. The city developed on both sides of the Harpeth River, a tributary of the Cumberland River. In the 19th century, Franklin (as the county seat) was the trading and judicial center for primarily rural Williamson County and remained so well into the 20th century as the county remained rural and agricultural in nature.
Things to Do
Stroll Historic Downtown Franklin
Franklin's historic downtown is centered around its famous Main Street and Public Square. Visitors can explore boutique shops, local restaurants, art galleries, and beautifully preserved architecture within one of America's Great American Main Streets.
Visit the Carter House
One of the most significant Civil War sites in the nation, the Carter House played a key role during the 1864 Battle of Franklin. Guided tours explain the battle and its impact on the town.
Tour Carnton
This historic plantation served as a Confederate field hospital after the Battle of Franklin. Today, visitors can tour the house, grounds, and the adjacent McGavock Confederate Cemetery.
Explore Lotz House Museum
Located adjacent to the Carter House, the Lotz House contains original Civil War artifacts and detailed exhibits about the Battle of Franklin and the Lotz family.
Visit The Factory at Franklin
This redeveloped industrial complex features shopping, dining, entertainment venues, and special events housed within a restored historic factory.
Take a Franklin Hop Trolley Tour
The narrated trolley tour provides an overview of Franklin's history, architecture, and major attractions while allowing visitors to learn about more than 50 points of interest.
Explore Leiper's Fork
Just outside Franklin, this charming village is known for art galleries, local music, unique shops, scenic countryside, and Southern hospitality.
Drive the Natchez Trace Parkway
The historic Natchez Trace Parkway passes through the Franklin area and offers scenic drives, overlooks, hiking opportunities, and significant historical sites.
Visit Arrington Vineyards
Located nearby, Arrington Vineyards offers wine tastings, beautiful countryside views, seasonal events, and live music in a picturesque setting.
After the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, some Franklin residents have worked to identify and preserve its most significant historic assets. Five historic districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as are many individual non-historic but older structures.
Franklin is home to an armed forces memorial, on the grounds of the Williamson County Archives, which honors Williamson County servicemen who served in American wars from the Creek War to the Gulf War. Around the seal of Franklin are placed engraved bricks that radiate around it in a circle. The largest brick is in honor of George Jordan, a former slave who fought in the Indian Wars in New Mexico, and the only Williamson Countian to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Franklin, Tennessee", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
