There’s no doubt that Volunteer State is one of the most historically rich states in the US, and the majority of this history is invested in the Civil War.
Having witnessed countless wars, the land now holds spine-chilling and beautiful stories of the past. Want to get a taste of these stories firsthand? Then keep scrolling! For we’ve added the top 11 best Civil War sites, you totally need to check out!
The Top 11 Best Civil War Sites To Visit in Tennessee
Are you ready to visualize these fascinating civil war sites in Tennessee with us? Let’s jump right in!
- Shiloh National Military Park- Shiloh, Tennessee
Situated in Jackson, the west of Tennessee, this 4,000-acre military park is the largest battle in the Civil War’s Mississippi Valley Campaign, Shiloh, and what it cost both sides.
At least 109,784 men were a part of this terrible fight starting from April 6 and 7, 1862. Here 23,746 of all men were either killed, injured, or never found as the battle came to an end with the Union winning. This battlefield triggered another struggle in Corinth, which was a bustling railroad junction for the South. Another battle took place, leading to what we see today.
Today the park preserves and presents both Shiloh and Corinth battlefields alongside the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center and self-guided auto tours. Moreover, you can see impressive sites like the Shiloh National Cemetery, park films like ‘Fiery Trial,’ and even the Indian Mounds Site.
- Chickamauga And Chattanooga National Military Park- Georgia, Tennessee
Are you someone who prefers to watch theater? Then, the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is the way to go!
This park commemorates the South’s last major victory occurring in September of 1863. In November of the same year, the Union forces had grown more powerful and were in control of the whole 9,000 acres that is Chattanooga.
Present-day, you can climb the vast heights of Lookout Mountain to see miles and miles of land, bearing the testimony of both the armies during the campaign for Chattanooga.
Not only this, but you can enjoy the interpretation of this epic campaign through the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Centre, the Point Park, Moccasin Bend, and Missionary Ridge. Plus, trust us, the beautiful and massive paintings were done by James Walkers, portraying the struggles during the war are worth the visit!
- Lotz House Civil War Museum- Franklin, Tennessee
Present exactly in the middle of Tennessee in Franklin, south of Nashville, the Lotz House Civil War Museum is another must-visit place.
This museum honors the vast area where the 1864 Battle of Franklin took place. During this, the Lotz family became partners with the Carter’s, resulting in one of the most devastating Civil War battles.
The house was built in 1858, found from the US National Register of Historic Places. Today, if you visit the house, you easily spot places where cannonballs tore through from and the bloodstains of injured soldiers when it served as a field hospital.
If you’re someone who particularly enjoys historical landmarks, you need to go here!
- Dickson- Williams Mansion- Greenville, Tennessee
Placed in Greenville, Tennessee, this Federal-style mansion offers a fascinating story about a family.
What’s that? Here lived a daughter married to a former US congressman. Her two sons were Confederate soldiers, while the third was a Union soldier. Constructed in 1821, this house was a bone of contention between both parties during the Civil War.
Learn more about the Dickson-Williams Mansion by visiting it personally!
- Historic Travellers Rest Plantation And Museum- Nashville, Tennessee
Historic Travellers Rest Plantation And Museum is the oldest house museum open to the general public in Nashville!
Built back in 1799, the plantation served both parties. First, it stood strong on the ground as Union troops camped on the property. Later, it acted as the Confederate headquarters to General John Bell Hood two weeks before the Battle of Nashvillebroke out.
What’s more? John Overton, the owner of Travellers Rest, fled away when a bounty of $5,000 was placed on him due to his refusal to swear an oath to the Union. Later in 1862, he returned with the Confederates’ arrival at Travellers Rest.
Visit the Historic Travellers Rest Plantation And Museum to trace both parties’ steps and learn the history of the building itself!
- Fort Pillow State Historic Site- Henning, Tennessee
Originally built back in 1861 by Confederate troops and named after the General Gideon J.Pillow of Maury County, this fort is present on Tennessee’s western edge.
Rich in historical and archaeological significance, the steep bluffs of this site overlook the magnificent Mississippi River. Due to this, it was a strategic location during the Civil War.
However, in 1862, this place was abandoned because of the Union Navy’s advancement. Later in 1971, this became a state park and is famous because of its reconstructed inner fort.
That’s not all! The park even showcases Civil War artifacts like a cannon, interpretive displays, a 12-minute video on the 1864 battle, and tours. So, what are you waiting for? Browse the area where confederate troops used to walk.
- Mabry-Hazen House- Knoxville, Tennessee
Another house rich with Civil War history, namely Mabry-Hazen House, is also part of the US National Register of Historic Places.
In the year 1858, a beautiful mansion was constructed in the city of Knoxville, Tennessee, housing one family for three generations before Civil War broke out. Not only was the house brilliantly designed, but it also offered a captivating sight of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains and Tennessee River.
It was under the administration of both the armies, which means you can find a wide collection of authentic artifacts as part of the exhibit. Take a tour from Monday to Friday (11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) or on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.
- Carnton Plantation- Franklin, Tennessee
We all know that the Battle of Franklin was one of the deadliest Civil Wars recorded in history.
On November 30, 1864, this Battle moved across the fields south of town, taking along with them the lives of thousands. The private home built here after dealing with the savagery of the Civil War became a battlefield.
Here about 9,500 soldiers were killed, wounded, captured, or missing. Even today, you can see the scars of the battle on the second floor. We totally recommend you take the time out of your visiting schedule to head over to Carnton Plantation.
- Stones River National Battlefield- Murfreesboro
There’s no way your list would be complete without the Stones River National Battlefield.
Set along the Stones River in Tennessee’s center, the Stones River National Battlefield commemorates the 3,000 dead and 16,000 wounded men from the battle.
This 570 acres of land allows you to gain a first-person experience of the battles. Here at the Stones River National Battlefield, you can enjoy an insightful film about the battle or browse in the bookstore.
Established in 1927, the park now features about seven miles of trails located throughout the park matched with signs and cannons, giving the visitors a glimpse of the mast. Moreover, you can visit the Stones River National Cemetery to see the estimated 6,100 buried Union soldiers or cycle on the Murfreesboro Greenway System. Pretty cool, right?
- Fort Granger- Franklin, Tennessee
Built back in 1862, Fort Granger used to be an artillery position during the Civil War. It is known as Franklin City Park, open to the public to offer them a real taste of the Civil War bases.
This historical destination is in the middle of Tennessee and still contains all the trenches that Civil War soldiers dug up. The 20 acres of land was a major part of the Battle of Franklin. Furthermore, it was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
If you really want to enjoy visiting Civil War sites, Fort Granger should be somewhere on the top of your list. The unique scenery offered here is sure to leave you awed!
- Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area- Middle Tennessee
Another absolute must-visit is the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area. This amazing and fascinating site allows you to get a sneak peek at the history and nostalgia.
Here in central Tennessee, Murfreesboro, you learn a lot more about the ‘whole story of America’s greatest challenges.’The best part? When you visit the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, you can go over to the Civil War Sesquicentennial, the Tennessee Civil War Trails, and The Tennessee River Corridor.
Are you making a list? Make sure to write this down for an unforgettable experience!
