Much of the massive battlefield is actually covered by post civil war residential homes, and some of it by commercial businesses. However, the Carter House, and about an acre or so (I’m estimating) of it’s land is readily accessible. You can walk the property for free, or get a tour, and visit the interior of the house for a small fee. Hundreds, if not thousands of bullet holes are still quite apparent in the buildings here. Winstead Hill, where Opdycke and Whitaker fought the great Bedford Forrest’s calvary, and likely where John Bell Hood first examined the Union lines at Franklin, is a preserved, historic location with beautifully preserved woods, a very nice walking trail, etc. And lastly, the McGavock home known as Carnton is not only still there, but has incredible tours, at very reasonable prices. The two acres donated by the McGavock’s to bury the confederate dead is something every civil war buff must see. Hundreds of confederate soldiers died here. Many more were treated. “Bucket Rings”, which are essentially the stains from the blood of these brave confederate soldiers having formed around the base of buckets in the makeshift operating rooms, are still readily visible. Also, MANY Generals died in this battle, and most, if not all, were brought to the porch of this stately manner. Come see it and you can rock in a rocking chair on this porch as you consider how hallowed that porch is.

All this said, I don’t work for, nor have any financial interest in Spring Hill or Franklin. I live in Spring Hill and find it’s history fascinating. But, if you have the chance to visit the area, you really must do so if you are intrigued by the civil war. The battles of Columbia, Spring Hill, and lastly culminating in Franklin are not as famous (or infamous) as others. However, a little research will show you that this is one of the deadliest, costliest campaigns of the war.

Civil war buffs, you gotta see this stuff.