Civil War Sites in Tennessee

The Volunteer State is a historic one, and holds several sites commemorating the American Civil War – many of which are operated by the National Park Service. Check out these seven battlefields and historic sites throughout Tennessee.

Shiloh National Military Park

Found in Jackson in western Tennessee, the 4,000-acre Shiloh National Military Park commemorates the 1862 Battle of Shiloh and the following Siege of Corinth.

The park preserves and presents the Shiloh and Corinth battlefields with the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center and self-guided auto tours of the Shiloh Battlefield. The park also features the Shiloh National Cemetery, the Shiloh Indian Mounds Site, and park films like “Corinth: A Town Amidst War” and “Shiloh: Fiery Trial.”

Lotz House Civil War Museum

Found in Franklin in middle Tennessee just south of Nashville, the Lotz House Civil War Museum commemorates the area in which the 1864 Battle of Franklin, of which the Lotz House and the current McGavock Confederate Cemetery were present.

The house itself was built in 1858, and is found on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. A current Civil War museum open to the pubic, the Lotz House is known for its bloodstains still in place from the time it served as a field hospital following the Battle of Franklin.

Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park

The 9,000-acre Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park – located in southern Tennessee near Chattanooga – commemorates the Battle of Chickamauga and the Chattanooga Campaign.

These two major Civil War battles are interpreted through this National Park with help from the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center, and Point Park. The park is divided into four unites: the Chickamauga Battlefield, Lookout Mountain Battlefield & Point Park, Missionary Ridge, and the Moccasin Bend.

Andrew Johnson National Historic Site

Comprised of 16 acres, the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site commemorates 17th President Andrew Johnson – the president following Abraham Lincoln. This National Park site is found in eastern Tennessee in Greeneville.

A U.S. National Historic Site and found on the National Register of Historic Places, the park consists of three sections: the Andrew Johnson Homestead, the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery, and the Andrew Johnson Visitor Complex.

Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Covering over 1,000 acres, the Fort Donelson National Battlefield preserves the sites of Fort Donelson and Fort Heiman of the Civil War. Set in northern Tennessee – just 85 miles northwest of Nashville – the park was established in 1928.

Operated through the National Park Service. Fort Donelson National Battlefield also features the Fort Donelson National Cemetery. Park visitors enjoy the six-mile self-guided tour, exhibits in the Fort Donelson Visitor Center, and the film “Fort Donelson: Gateway to the Confederate Heartland.”

Fort Granger

Offering an array of unmatched Franklin views, Fort Granger is a top, historical destination in middle Tennessee. Known today as Franklin City Park, Fort Granger was originally built in 1862 as an artillery position during the Civil War. Make your next trip into Franklin memorable with a tour of the once hallowed grounds.

Today at Fort Granger, you'll still find the original trenches dug by Civil War soldiers. Fort Granger was a major part of the Battle of Franklin – one of the deadliest in all of the war. Totaling nearly 20 acres in overall area, Fort Granger was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Stones River National Battlefield

Set along the Stones River, the Stones River National Battlefield is located in central Tennessee near the city of Murfreesboro.

Preserving the site of the Civil War Battle of Stones River through the National Park Service, the site covers 570 acres.

Also featuring the Stones River National Cemetery, the battlefield is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Established in 1927, the park features seven miles of hiking trails, cycling on the Murfreesboro Greenway System, and inoperative programs like ranger-led tours.

Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area

Don't miss your chance to explore a bit of history and nostalgia on your next visit to Tennessee. Head for central Tennessee and check out Murfreesboro, home of the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area. When you visit the area, you'll learn about the "whole story" of "Americas greatest challenge."

As you plan your trip to the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, be sure to see the Civil War Sesquicentennial, the Tennessee Civil War Trails, and the Tennessee River Corridor. Experience a world-class, unforgettable adventure surrounding th Civil War and Tennessee's role there in on your next trip to TN.