History

History of Franklin:

Founded on October 26, 1799 and named after Benjamin Franklin; Franklin, Tennessee was always a tranquil city and an extremely wealthy county in Tennessee—thanks to it’s plantation economy.  Early settlers developed farms in the wilderness that were prosperous.  Early settlers included Native Americans, French fur trappers that hunted and grazed cattle.

Unfortunately The Battle of Franklin (November 30, 1864) one of the Civil War's bloodiest battles, ended with more than 8,000 casualties, turning every home and building in town into a hospital.  The economy took nearly 120 years to recover.

Historic Buildings

McLemore House:

Harvey McLemore, a former slave, purchased four lots in 1880 and built one of the first residential dwellings in the subdivision. The home was the first subdivision of its kind in Franklin.  Before then a black middle class neighborhood of teachers, carpenters, masons and farmers would have never existed. The building is still standing today!

The Carter House:

Served as a military fortress during the late 1800s.  In fact the Carter family took refuge in their basement during the bloody battles that raged on above them.  The State of Tennessee purchased The Carter House in 1951.  Today it is managed by the Battle of Franklin Trust and is dedicated to the Carter family and all of the Americans who fought in the battle.  

Carnton Plantation:

Carnton was built in 1826 by then Nashville mayor Randal McGavock.  Carnton grew to become one of the premier farms in Williamson County, Tennessee, until the Battle of Franklin.  The devastation was met by Carnton, which served as the largest field hospital in the area.  In 1973 Carnton was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Today you can tour the plantation!

http://www.franklin-gov.com/index.aspx?page=400

http://www.historicfranklin.com/franklins-history

http://www.carnton.org/mclemore_history.htm

http://www.carnton.org/carterhouse_history.htm

http://www.carnton.org/carnton_history.htm
http://www.carnton.org/images/mclemore/mclemore1.jpg
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http://images.travelpod.com/users/socks/1.1247188062.carter-house-plaque.jpg