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.
Cross Plains Heritage Museum, Library & Archives
Exhibits detail more than 200 years of local history including military and sports rooms and many local photos. Specializing in family histories with lots of local family information to share wth genealogists and those interested in finding their CrossPlains ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Cross Plains, TN
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Cumberland County Driving Tour
The audio tour tape “Civil War Trails Across Cumberland County” is available in the office of the county ...more
Region: Upper Cumberland
City: Crossville, TN
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Cumberland University
The audio tour tape “Civil War Trails Across Cumberland County” is available in the office of the county ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Lebanon, TN
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Customs House Museum and Cultural Center
Visit the one of the most photographed buildings in Tennessee, the Customs House Museum! First used as a post office and customs house in 1878 to accommodate the flourishing tobacco trade, this architecturally unique structure houses both permanent and rotating ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Clarksville, TN
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Denmark Presbyterian Church
The oldest Presbyterian church in west Tennessee was founded on Cub Creek in 1821, before the town was settled. The congregation moved to Denmark but outgrew its home at a Baptist school.
Using slave labor, the Snipes brothers had the church built in just six days in 1854, and the church was ready for worship the next Sunday. It originally also housed Masonic Lodge # 154 on the second floor. Many signatures of Masons are still visible on the wall and door of the lodge.
Civil War-era stories include that of Confederate soldiers hiding under the hoop skirts of their sweethearts when Union troops searched ...more
Region: Southwest
City: Denmark, TN
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Dickson-Williams Mansion
Wealthy Irish immigrant William Dickson used a team of highly skilled Irish artisans and slaves to build this high Federal style mansion in 1821 for his only child, Catherine. In 1823 Catherine and her new husband, Dr. Alexander Williams, began a life of lavish entertaining. Guests at the mansion included three presidents, the Marquis de Lafayette, and David Crockett.
The house changed hands several times during the Civil War, commandeered by both sides. While Confederate General John Hunt Morgan was staying there, Mrs. Lucy Williams (Catherine's daughter-in-law) supposedly reported him and Union troops ambushed and killed him. Catherine Williams was devastated ...more
Region: Northeast
City: Greeneville, TN
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Discovery Museum of West Tennessee
This museum is a great resource for those interested in the Civil War sites in Jackson and West Tennessee.
Plans are underway for a exhibit showcasing the great talent of West Tennessee musicians.
The facility is available for rental and provides an attractive venue for ...more
Region: Memphis & Surrounding Areas
City: Jackson, TN
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Downtown Dickson
Visit the new city park, eight antique malls and historic buildings. Over 50 retail stores surround the railroad built by Civil War ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Dickson, TN
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Dyer County Museum
Exhibits include the Timmerman Dollhouse Collection as well as Civil War and other military artifacts, local photos and ...more
Region: Northwest
City: Dyersburg, TN
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East Tennessee History Center
Begin your exploration of the region's history at the East Tennessee History Center. Located here are the McClung Historical Collection, a premier genealogical research library, the Museum of East Tennessee History covering 300 years of life in the region, the offices of the East Tennessee Historical Society, and the Knox County Archives, with records dating to ...more
Region: Knoxville & Middle East
City: Knoxville, TN
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Farragut Folklife Museum
The Farragut Folklife Museum--and the town of Farragut itself--is named in honor of David Farragut, the first admiral of the U.S. Navy, who was born in and grew up in the area.
He was commissioned as a midshipman in the U.S. Navy when he was only nine years old. He served in the War of 1812 and had become a prize master by age 12, serving under his adopted father, David Porter. He participated in the capture of the HMS Alert and, at age 12, was assigned to bring a captured ship to port.
He helped establish the country’s first naval ...more
Region: Knoxville & Middle East
City: Farragut, TN
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Fisk University & Fisk Jubilee Singers (TM)
Formed in 1871, the Fisk University(R) Jubilee Singers perform throughout the year in the USA and internationally. Call for performance dates.
Begun in the months after the end of the Civil War, Fisk University played a leadership role in the intellectual, artistic and civic education of African Americans and became known for its world-famous Jubilee Singers.
In addition to its historic sites and art collections, the Fisk Library's Special Collections section is a major national resource for the study of the African American ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Nashville, TN
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Fort Donelson National Battlefield
The site of the first decisive Union victory of the Civil War. A visitor center explains the importance of this pivotal battle. Open ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Dover, TN
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Fort Hill and Museum
Fort Hill is an irregularly shaped redoubt, constructed between 1863-1864, on a hill overlooking Waverly, Tennessee. The outer walls of the redoubt remain intact around the entire length of the fort. The troops protecting the area consisted of the 12th and 13th U.S. Colored Troops, the 8th Iowa Cavalry, and the 1st Kansas Battery. ...more
Region: Nashville & Surrounding Areas
City: Waverly, TN
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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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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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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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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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