Civil War Sites in Tennessee
As the nation commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, there is no better place to start exploring the epic conflict that in Tennessee. more than 1,400 battles were waged here, more than in any other state except Virginia, and Tennessee is the only state to be designated in it's entirety as a Civil War National Heritage Area.
There are hundreds of historic sites across Tennessee that explore the history of the Civil War, from the state's numerous preserved battlefields, historic parks and historic homes that served as field hospitals and places of refuge. Here's just a sampling:
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Located where Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky meet, Cumberland Gap was a crucial entry point through the mountains of East Tennessee for both sides in the Civil War.
Confederate Memorial Hall (Bleak House)
Built by slaves shortly before the Civil War, this antebellum mansion served as headquarters for Confederate General James Longstreet during the siege of Knoxville in 1863.
Sam Davies Home
Explore the home of Confederate scout and convisted spy Same Davis in Smyrna.
Carnton Plantation
A field hospital during the Battle of Franklin, blood stains still mar the walls here, and the site is also home to the largest private Confederate cemetery in the US and the setting of the New York Times bestselling book, "The Widow of the South".
Shiloh National Military Park
The first major battle in the western theatre, the bloody engagement at Shiloh on April 6–7, 1862, resulted in more than 23,000 casualties.
Fort Pillow State Historic Park
This is the site of the controversial battle of April 12, 1864, during which Confederate forces reportedly massacred Union soldiers, black and white, after they had already surrendered.
Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum
Located at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, the library and museum feature a wide array of artefacts related to the life and work of he 16th President, including two life masks of Lincoln and the cane he carried the night of his assassination.
To learn where you can relive key moments in Tennessee's Civil War history visit our Civil War Timeline.
Civil War Driving Tours:
Battle of Franklin Driving Tour
Battle of Hartsville Driving Tour
Battle of Nashville Driving Tour
Civil War: Battle of Franklin
Civil War Trails: Fighting for the Rails
From Bridge to Bridge, the Civil War in East Tennessee
Sam Davies Trail
Shiloh Battlefield Tours
Town of LaGrange
Tullahoma Campaign Driving Tour
Sequoyah & the Overhill Towns, Vonore TN
Cherokee Resistace & the Removal, RedClay TN
Chickamauga Campaign
Click here for a complete list of trails in Tennessee.
