Story Ideas

In addition to the ideas below, please take a look at our press releases on our notable events and achievements.

CIVIL WAR HISTORY

Carnton Plantation witnessed the "five bloodiest hours" of the Civil War on November 30, 1864 called the Battle of Franklin. Nearly 10,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, captured or went missing. Carnton, home of the McGavock's, became the largest Confederate field hospital and the bloodstains of that fateful battle still mar the floors today. Carnton is also home to McGavock Confederate Cemetery, the nation’s largest privately owned military cemetery. 

Home of the New York Times Bestseller “Widow of the South,” Carnton Plantation offers a rare opportunity to experience the stories behind the novel, first hand.

The Lotz House reopened its doors to the public October 30, 2008. Unique antiques and collections on display, along with the Battle of Franklin experience from The Lotz House perspective.

The Carter House, built in 1830, witnessed one of the bloodiest battles during the Civil War on November 30, 1864, the Battle of Franklin. This farmhouse was commandeered for use as a Federal command post while the Carter family took refuge in the basement along with two other families. The battle that ensued is being called "the Gettysburg of the West." Evidence remains of the battle with over 1,000 bullet holes on site, which includes the farm office, known as the most bullet-damaged building still standing, from the entire Civil War.

The Civil War Trails program has come to Tennessee. Officially, on September 17, 2008, the first trail marker was ceremoniously placed in the ground in historic Franklin. Tennessee joins Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland. Williamson County has more than a dozen sites on the trail as of August 2009.

LAND TRUST

Williamson County has over one third of its land protected through the land trust for Tennessee.

LOCAL MUSIC SCENE

Haven for many music superstars and songwriters inot to mention hometown favorite, the HOMER DEVER BAND. Grassroots music of the Hillbilly and Country music genre. Well known talent quietly graces this CD. Find it oniTunes and CD Baby.

MAIN STREET

Historic Downtown Franklin – As more and more Main Streets are disappearing, Franklin, winner of the Great American Main Street award, boasts a thriving, vital historic Main Street with more than 70 unique shops in the downtown historic district, including a dozen dining options.

NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY

Popular with Tourists – The Natchez Trace Parkway is the seventh most visited site in the National Park System with 5.5 million recreation visits in 2005.

Accolades for the Parkway - Southern Governors’ Association, 2005 Award of Excellence, Southern Public Relations Federation, 2005; Official Southern Treasure, Southern Traveler Magazine, 2005; Readers Choice Award-Favorite Scenic Drive, Southern Living Magazine, multiple years

The Natchez Trace Parkway stretches 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee with 102 miles located in Tennessee. Experience the Trace through driving, hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping.

Scenic Resources - The Parkway’s scenic vistas encompass a traditional southern landscape that offers travelers manicured grassy roadsides and native tree plantings intermingled with a mosaic of hardwood and softwood forest communities, wetlands, prairie landscapes, agricultural croplands, abundant wildlife, and architecturally significant bridges and structures.

PRESERVATION

Battlefield Preservation – The largest battlefield reclamation project in the nation is the eastern flank hallowed ground of the Battle of Franklin.

GOING GREEN

Starbuck's in historic downtown Franklin goes solar powered July 9, 2009!