Historic Downtown Franklin
is a 15-block National Register Historic District featuring more
than 70 unique retail, dining and entertainment choices. It's been named a Great American Main
Street by the National Trust, a Preserve America Community by the Bush Administration, the
number one small town in Tennessee by the University of Tennessee, and one of the five best
places in America to shop for antiques by Country Living Magazine. In addition to the Downtown
District, the heart of Franklin is surrounded by four more National Register Historic Districts
with more than 400 historic properties designated in an around Franklin.
There is a little of something for everyone in Franklin and Middle Tennessee. Franklin his home
to the northern terminus of the Natchez Trace. The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway commemorates an
ancient trail that connected southern portions of the Mississippi River region to central
Tennessee. Over the centuries, the Choctaw, Chickasaw and other American Indians left their marks
on the Trace and today, visitors can experience this National Scenic Byway and All-American Road
through driving, hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping.
For the Civil War buffs, Franklin is a historical gem. One of the most important battles of the
American Civil War took place in Franklin and a number of homes and museums stand in evidence of
that. The defeat of Gen. John Bell Hood's army at Franklin and its final disintegration two weeks
later after the Battle of Nashville essentially ended the war in the western theater. Few Americans
realize that, with the exception of Virginia, more Civil War battles, engagements, and skirmishes
occurred in Tennessee than any other state.
The Carter House remains today one of Franklin’s most visited Civil War sites. This Registered
Historic Landmark is now open to the public and serves as a memorial to the Carter Family as well as
the countless heroes in the Battle of Franklin. The modest brick home was the Federal Command Post
while the family took refuge in the basement. Visitors to the Carter house can find the evidence of
over 1,000 bullet holes remaining on site, including the most battle-damaged building from the Civil
War.
Visitors with a more contemporary bent will also be pleased with what they find in Franklin.
Boutiques and department stores line both Main Street and the Cool Springs Galleria area of
Franklin. Multi-plex movie theaters, art galleries, musical theaters and countless restaurants
ensure that travelers will never lack for entertainment.
And what would entertainment be without music? Nashville, known as “Music City, U.S.A.,” is a short
twenty minute drive north of Franklin and is home to the historic Grand Old Opry, Ryman Auditorium and
beautiful new Country Music Hall of Fame. A walk down Broadway in Nashville will offer visitors a
chance to visit Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, a vintage honky-tonk, as well as Hatch Show Print, one of
America’s oldest working letterpress print shops in America.
Rich in history and small town charm, just minutes from all the fun and excitement of "Music City
U.S.A.," Franklin really does have it all. The grand beauty of Victorian and antebellum architecture
can be found everywhere, backdropped by the breathtaking, rolling countryside of Middle Tennessee.
And the people...well, we're known for that special brand of southern hospitality that makes our
visitors feel like long-time friends and honored guests!
So come visit Franklin. There really is something for everyone.
