Carter House
1 / 10

Carter House

4.8
·1k reviews·Franklin, United States

A Civil War landmark where the Carter family hid in the basement during the Battle of Franklin, now offering profound historical tours.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate tours

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Carter House

Carter House

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate tours

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Civil War landmark where the Carter family hid in the basement during the Battle of Franklin, now offering profound historical tours.

4.8
(1k reviews)

"The tour guides here were particularly fantastic, making the history come alive."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Ask for Randy's Tour!

Randy is an exceptional guide, blending history with personal stories. Highly recommended!

🤫 No Photos Inside!

Enjoy the history; photos are not allowed inside the house.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 1,147 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bullet Holes & Battle Scars

Bullet Holes & Battle Scars

Exterior and interior walls

Witness firsthand the impact of the Battle of Franklin with visible bullet holes and damage, a stark reminder of the conflict.

TikTok+2
The Family's Basement Sanctuary

The Family's Basement Sanctuary

Basement

Imagine the Carter family and neighbors hiding in the basement during the intense fighting of the Battle of Franklin.

TikTok+1
Stories of Enslaved People

Stories of Enslaved People

Slave quarters and main house

Learn about the lives of the 28 enslaved individuals on the Carter farm and their experiences during this tumultuous period.

TikTok+2
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours are highly recommended and often fill up, especially for specific groups like the 'Ladies Tour.' Booking ahead ensures your spot and a chance to hear from knowledgeable guides who bring the history of the Battle of Franklin to life. Reddit

Prepare for a Chilling Experience

The Carter House is known for its powerful atmosphere, offering a tangible connection to the Civil War. Be ready to see bullet holes and artifacts that tell a somber story. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon tours
Why
Guides are often exceptional
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#carterhousefranklin #franklintn #carterhouse #thebattleoffranklin
@breathtakingworldtravel_
1.7K likes • 250.2K views

🎯 Ask for Randy's Tour!

Randy is an exceptional guide, blending history with personal stories. Highly recommended! Reddit

🤫 No Photos Inside!

Enjoy the history; photos are not allowed inside the house. Reddit

Visiting Franklin, TN has been a bucket lister for years. Way before my interest peaked in Civil War history, Erin shared her experience at the Carter house and promised we’d go. I left my metal detector at home and we made it a date! In context, the house was 200 yards from the Union line of 27,000 troops. The family and neighbors hid in the rock walled basement as 30,000 Confederates attacked fr...
@shoveldraggerrelics
19 likes • 431 views
Newly engaged and seeking a quintessential New England wedding venue?💍 Welcome to the Winthrop Carter House! We are a 22 acre destination wedding venue located in Boscawen, NH and offer a long weekend wedding experience where you can stay right on site in our charming country Inn and celebrate all weekend long with your family and friends. 🥂🍃🌸 Our stunning, 18th century barn comes fully decorat...
winthropcarterhouseweddings
284 likes • 9.4K views

♿ Accommodating for All

The staff is very accommodating for visitors with mobility needs. Reddit

👻 Haunted History

Some visitors report paranormal experiences and a chilling atmosphere. TikTok+3

Today I am the North Valley Art League and Carter House Gallery located at 48 Quartz Hill Road in Redding, CA. Once a month I try to fill in as a volunteer gallery attendant. This non profit organization provides its members with venue to showcase and sell their art and it is completely free to visit! There is a lovely gift shop where you can purchase one of a kind pieces and support local artists...
helping_hands_pottery
10 likes • 221 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Ask for Randy's Tour!

Randy is an exceptional guide, blending history with personal stories. Highly recommended! Reddit

🤫 No Photos Inside!

Enjoy the history; photos are not allowed inside the house. Reddit

♿ Accommodating for All

The staff is very accommodating for visitors with mobility needs. Reddit

👻 Haunted History

Some visitors report paranormal experiences and a chilling atmosphere. TikTok+3

📚 Deep Dive into History

Guides offer in-depth historical context of the Battle of Franklin. Reddit+1

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Carter House for its profound historical significance and the exceptional quality of its guided tours. Guides are frequently highlighted for their deep knowledge and engaging storytelling, making the experience educational and impactful. While the subject matter is somber, the house offers a tangible connection to the Civil War and the lives of those who lived through it.

"Where do I start? And wow, I should have paid more attention in history class. My eyes were open, and the tour guide was terrific - very educational and in-depth, providing a rich history of the place. I would highly recommend this place and make sure to be in the Ladies tour group!!"

Lori Fleming

"It’s an old house full of history. If you like that. You’ll like this. Tour guide did a good job keeping me engaged who was only here by request of my husband history nerd. No pictures allowed inside the house so enjoy some pictures of my husband while he enjoys reading placards chock full of history"

Kelly Olson

"We came here on a whim and are so glad that we did. We joined a tour late and the guide couldn't have been more accommodating. My husband is on a walker and he was very well taken care of. The guide we had was exceptional. He truly takes pride in his job and knows how to keep people interested."

Susan Miller

What People Like

Exceptional tour guides
Tangible history
Chilling atmosphere

What People Dislike

No photos inside

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Carter House is located in Franklin, Tennessee, south of Nashville. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular stop for those exploring the Civil War history of the area. Many visitors combine a trip to the Carter House with other historic sites in Franklin. TikTok+1

Yes, there is typically parking available at the Carter House for visitors. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current parking information before your visit. TikTok

The Carter House is located a short distance from downtown Franklin. Depending on your starting point, it may be a walkable distance, or a very short drive. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It is highly recommended to book your tour tickets in advance, especially if you wish to join a specific tour like the 'Ladies Tour' or if you are visiting during peak season. Tours can fill up quickly. Reddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Carter House website for the most up-to-date information on tour times and opening hours before planning your visit. TikTok

Admission is typically by guided tour, and there is a fee associated with the tour. Check the Carter House's official website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts. TikTok

Yes, photography is generally not allowed inside the Carter House. This is to help preserve the historic artifacts and maintain the integrity of the experience. Reddit

Guided tours are the primary way to experience the Carter House and are highly recommended to fully understand its historical significance. Reddit+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

A guided tour of the Carter House usually lasts about an hour, providing a comprehensive overview of the house's history and its role in the Battle of Franklin. Reddit

The tour guides at the Carter House are consistently praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to make history engaging. Many visitors highlight them as a key part of the experience. Reddit+3

Tours cover the architecture of the house, the experiences of the Carter family, the lives of enslaved people on the farm, and the intense events of the Battle of Franklin that unfolded around the property. TikTok+5

Many visitors and some staff report experiencing a 'chilling' atmosphere and paranormal phenomena at the Carter House, adding a layer of intrigue to the historical visit. TikTokReddit+3

The 'Ladies Tour' is a specific tour that some visitors highly recommend, suggesting it offers a unique perspective or focus. It's advisable to inquire about its availability when booking. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Carter House itself does not typically offer dining facilities. However, Franklin, TN has a vibrant downtown area with numerous restaurants and cafes nearby where you can find a variety of food options. TikTok

Generally, food and drinks are not permitted inside historic homes like the Carter House to protect the artifacts and structure. It's best to consume them before or after your tour. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

While photography is prohibited inside, the exterior of the Carter House offers many picturesque opportunities. Capture the historic architecture, the grounds, and the famous bullet holes on the exterior walls. TikTok+1

Yes, the bullet holes on the exterior of the house are a significant historical feature and are excellent subjects for photography. TikTok+1

Focus on the architectural details of the house, the surrounding grounds, and the visible scars of the battle on the exterior. The contrast of sunlight through bullet holes is also a unique visual. TikTok

You may also like

1 of 2
Carter House (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide