150 Years | Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial
Attractions
Tennessee Civil War Attractions
Use the tabs above to learn more about trails, markers and other interpretive sites; battlefields, and the many Civil War-related museums and other attractions designed to help travelers understand the legacy of the war in Tennessee.
Tennessee's Civil War history is a study in contrasts: a secessionist state with staunch Union loyalties, divided cities held by both Union and Confederate troops, constant danger and hardship, and nagging uncertainty about friends, neighbors and families, about who was friend or foe.
Tennessee's Civil War tale is one of divided loyalties, crucial battles, and the wide-reaching devastation of "total war." People throughout the state were completely immersed in the economic, social, and physical effects of the conflict, subject to violence and terror, disease and malnutrition, heartbreak and loss, and military rule by both sides. The stories of the Underground Railroad and Emancipation bring out the other side of war in the African American struggle for freedom and citizenship. Many grim reminders of the war—as well as hopeful symbols of heroism and kindness—stand today as testament to how the war transformed Tennessee.
Fort Southwest Point
Fort Southwest Point, built in 1797, was a working fort with as many as 625 soldiers until being closed in 1811. After excavations by the Department of Conservation, the University of Tennessee and the City of Kingston, the fort is being reconstructed on its original foundation and includes a barracks, blockhouse and 250 feet of palisade walls.
Living history re-enactors in period clothing provide a look at the life of the ...more
Region: Knoxville & Middle East
City: Kingston, TN
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Fortress Rosecrans
The Union Army constructed Fortress Rosecrans, a massive earthen fort, to serve as a supply depot following their victory at Stones ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Murfreesboro, TN
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Frank H. McClung Museum - University of Tennessee
A general interest museum featuring permanent exhibitions on Archaeology and the Native Peoples of Tennessee, Ancient Egypt, the Civil War in Knoxville, Decorative Arts, Geology and Fossils, Human Origins, and Freshwater Mussels as well as special temporary exhibits. Museum shop. Accredited by the American Association of Museums; in association with the Smithsonian ...more
Region: Knoxville & Middle East
City: Knoxville, TN
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Franklin County Old Jail Museum
Artifacts and memorabilia make up the exhibits at the Old Jail Museum in Winchester, Tennessee. Eight rooms are dedicated to special ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Winchester, TN
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Freed House
During the Civil War, Julius Freed served the Confederate army as a member of the Fifteenth Tennessee Infantry of the Army of Tennessee, was wounded, captured, and held as a prisoner of war until his release in May 1865. He then promptly moved to Trenton and became active in the city’s business and municipal relations, operating J. Freed & Sons general store on the town square, investing in banking and real estate, and operating a cotton ...more
Region: Northwest
City: Trenton, TN
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General Longstreet Museum
General James Longstreet established his headquarters in the Nenney Homestead in Russellville, TN during the harsh winter of 1863 - 1864.
Today, visitors can explore the actual historic home showcasing an authentic Civil War era communications center complete with a Civil War telegraph and period furnishings.
A walk through the General Longstreet Museum will put you at the heart of the strategic efforts of James Lonsgstreet, one of the most powerful generals in all of the ...more
Region: Knoxville & Middle East
City: Russellville, TN
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General William Joseph Hardee Memorial Park
This park is named for the Civil War Confederate general that made Wartrace his head-quarters during the Tullahoma Campaign. The site is also a stop on the Tennessee Civil War ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Wartrace, TN
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Giles County Historical Society & Museum
Museum of early Giles County history and Civil War in Giles County. Genealogy ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Pulaski, TN
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Glenmore Mansion
This 1869 historic landmark is a near-perfect example of Second Empire Victorian architecture. Built on land where the Civil War Battle of Mossy Creek was fought, the property still maintains the family/Civil War cemetery. Special heritage events are held during the year, such as gardening, storytelling, and holiday fairs. Tours
available, ...more
Region: Knoxville & Middle East
City: Jefferson City, TN
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Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Visit Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and celebrate the cultural heritage of East Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains region. Two galleries, movie, 12 historic outbuildings, concerts and other special events throughout the year. Check Events calendar for details. And don't forget Cades Cove Heritage Tours -- leave the driving to us and enjoy all the sights and sounds of the most popular destination inside the Great Smoky Mountains National ...more
Region: Smoky Mountains
City: Townsend, TN
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Harmon Family Cemetery
Step back in time. Southern hospitality abounds at this historic home of a Civil War ...more
Region: East Tennessee
City: , TN
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Hartsville Battlefield Park
This locally established park preserves a battlefield where confederate cavalry leader col. John Hunt Morgan had one of his greatest successes. On December 7, 1862, with a force of about 1,300 men. Morgan surprised a federal garrison commanded by Col. Absalom B. Moore. Morgan’s casualties – 139 killed, wounded, and missing – were light compared to the damage he caused: 2,096 federal casualties, with 1,834 of these being captured prisoners. The battlefield has an interpretive walking tour and a driving tour brochure of the area is also available. The Confederate dead from the battle are buried in the Hartsville cemetery. ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Hartsville, TN
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Hawkins County Courthouse
Oldest original courthouse in TN, built in 1836, and the second oldest in continued use. One of the most photographed buildings in the South, it was occupied by both Confederate and Union forces during the Civil War. ...more
Region: Northeast
City: Rogersville, TN
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Haywood County Museum
The history of Haywood County from Native Americans to the present is displayed using photographs, memorabilia and documents, including special sports room. Among the community treasures is a rare collection on Abraham Lincoln's life, including many documents, books, artifacts, and pictures. Located in the city's historic ...more
Region: Southwest
City: Brownsville, TN
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Hazen's Raid at Browns Ferry
By October 1863 the Union army suffered greatly from food shortages, and the supply route was tenuous at best. This raid, begun by Gen. William Hazen near here, floated down the river and established a beachhead on the south bank at Brown’s Ferry. The raid began an offensive that eventually established a more secure Union supply ...more
Region: Chattanooga & Southeast
City: Chattanooga, TN
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Historic Chockley Tavern
A 150-year old wayside railroad inn stands ready for groups up to 47 with Southern songs, Civil War tales and meals served by costumed ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Wartrace, TN
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Historic Downtown Dickson
Civil War soldiers built the railroad that now fronts the Historic Halbrook Hotel, War Memorial Building and the new city park.
Just off the railroad you will find, not only the Old Train Depot., but also the birthplace of Frank Clement in the Halbrook Hotel. See the War Memorial Building that is one of only two Depression-era War Memorial Buildings in the ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Dickson, TN
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Historic Elmwood Cemetery
Under the shade of 1,000 trees. Established in 1852. More than 70,000 people who make up the colorful history of Memphis are buried here, including 14 Confederate generals, two Union generals, and 1100 soldiers who fell in different ...more
Region: Memphis & Surrounding Areas
City: Memphis, TN
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Historic Lairdland Farm House and Civil War Museum
Tour historic home filled with antiques and Visit their Civil War Museum containing an extensive and comprehensive collection of both Union and Confederate artifacts. Luncheons for groups of 8 or more may be served upon 2 weeks confirmed ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Cornersville, TN
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Historic Mount Pleasant/Maury Phosphate Museum
Exhibits: Civil War, Armed Forces, doctor and pharmacy, phosphate mining, old kitchen, Native American. Also antiques, vintage clothes, toys, farm ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Mount Pleasant, TN
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