Nashville is a great city to visit. Located in central Tennessee, it is convenient to most of the United States, and because of the Gaylord Hotel and the Convention Center in downtown Nashville, a lot of conventions and trade shows are held here. If you find yourself in Nashville on a business trip and have a few hours to spare you can go see some historic Civil War Sites and still be back to Nashville for dinner.
Battle of Stones River National Cemetery.
The first trip I would recommend Is Stones River battle ground. Located about 22 minutes south, you can make it down, take a quick one and a half hour guided tour, and be back in three hours or less. Located north of Murfreesboro this battleground is scenic and is an important Civil War location.
This battle took place on December 31st 1862, January 1st and January 2nd 1863. Touted as one of the bloodiest battles in the war, this site is interesting in terms of military strategy and it’s relevance to future battles.The artillery fire was so intense and loud that it was said to be heard in Louisville Kentucky. The tours are free and worth the trip.
The second day trip I would recommend is to Franklin Tennessee. Unlike Stones River, the Battle of Franklin lasted only 5 hours, but is regarded as the bloodiest 5 hours of the war. It is said that the initial volley was so loud that almost all of the Union soldiers nasal membranes and ear drums were burst. There are still bullet holes visible at several locations around town. One ticket provides access to Carnton, the Carter House and the Lotz house for $30. I recommend visiting all 3 locations as you will get a great understanding of the battle, it’s implications and life in Franklin in 1863. The multiple-site tickets don’t expire so if you can only spend a few hours, you can always come back and pick up where you left off.
The Lotz house was the most damaged structure of the Battle of Franklin.
The town of Franklin is quite charming as well and has many nice restaurants and quaint shops. If you have time, go to the city cemetery and see some more history. There are several notable persons buried there including 4 revolutionary war veterans.
There is plenty of our national history to see and middle Tennessee is beautiful. Don’t miss out on this informative and beautiful quick tour of middle Tennessee’s Civil War heritage.
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