Nashville is full of history, from the early pioneer days to the Civil Rights movement to groundbreaking moments in the music industry. But some of the richest and most harrowing history in the city is the history around its battles during the Civil War. You wouldn’t know it if you don’t pay attention, but the remnants and relics of the war are still all over the city to this very day. If you love history, you’ll want to be sure to check out these Nashville Civil War sites.

1. Shy's Hill
Shy's Hill, Benton Smith Rd, Nashville, TN 37215, USA
Wayne Hsieh - Flickr
Shy's Hill was the location of a pivotal moment in the Battle of Nashville in which the Union charge caused the Confederate left flank to fall apart. This is one of the Nashville Civil War sites where you can visit the hallowed ground and its memorials. Located on Benton Smith Road just south of Harding Place.
2. Fort Negley
Fort Negley Visitors Center, 1100 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Nvitkus - Flickr
Fort Negley is one of the Nashville Civil War sites that was built by Union troops after they took the city in 1862. While the fort never played a role in battle, it was the base of the Union troops for years, and you can still check it out today in South Nashville at 1100 Fort Negley Blvd.
3. Travellers Rest Historic House Museum
Historic Travellers Rest Historic House Museum, 636 Farrell Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37220, USA
Daniel Hartwig - Flickr
This iconic home in Nashville was once the home of Judge John Overton built in 1799. The site was used as the headquarters of Confederate General John Bell Hood during the Battle of Nashville and currently showcases exhibits about the house's history as one of the Civil War Sites in Nashville. Visit at 636 Farrell Parkway.

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4. Stones River Battlefield
Stones River National Battlefield, 3501 Old Nashville Hwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA
Casey Fleser - Flickr
One of the Civil War battlefields near Nashville is just a short drive to Murfreesboro The Stones River Battlefield is the site of one of the most horrific battles in the war. Fought in 1862 and 1863, it gave the Union a much-needed foothold in Middle Tennessee. Visit today in Murfreesboro at 3501 Old Nashville Hwy.
5. Carter House
Carter House, 1140 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
American Battlefield Trust - Flickr
Playing a prominent role in the Battle of Franklin, the Carter House was taken as the headquarters of a Union general as the Battle of Franklin raged right outside the front doors. The house is one of the Civil War historic sites near Nashville and is always worth a visit. It's in Franklin at 1140 Columbia Ave.
6. Carnton
Carnton Plantation, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
Jeremy Reding - Flickr
The Carnton, sits on one of the Civil War battlefields near Nashville just south of Franklin, served as a large Confederate field hospital for the Battle of Franklin, which saw over 7,000 Confederate soldiers killed. The house is supposedly haunted from all the soldiers who died there. 1345 Eastern Flank Cir.
7. Tennessee State Museum
Tennessee State Museum, 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
Tennessee State Museum - Facebook
While the Tennessee State Museum isn't the site of any significant happenings during the Civil War, the museum does contain tons and tons of artifacts and information about the many Nashville Civil War sites. Check out their brand-new building at 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd.

After you have toured some of the Nashville Civil War sites, you might be interested to visit some of the state’s historic cemeteries.

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More to Explore

Nashville Civil War Sites

Libby Monson | May 27, 2022

What Civil War sites can I visit in Nashville?

You'll find one of the Civil War sites in Nashville sitting among the skyscrapers. St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows is the oldest church in Nashville. Built in 1846, the church is home to stunning artwork, including a painted ceiling and ornate altar. During the Civil War, the church was used as a field hospital. Union and Confederate soldiers were cared for at St Mary of the Seven Sorrows, and ultimately, 300 soldiers died here.

Can I hike to any Civil War memorial sites?

Shy's Hill has a short hike you can take through the battlefield and to the top of the hill, where a flag plaza honors the Union and Confederate soldiers who died at the Battle of Nashville. The trail leads you through one of the most moving Civil War sites in Nashville. You'll also see a monument to the Minnesota troops in the Union Army who defeated the Confederates and lost 97 of their own.

Are there any Civil War ghost stories in Nashville?

Fort Negley is one of the Nashville Civil War sites that is said to be haunted by some Civil War-era ghosts. The fort was built by the Union army in only four months, and during that time, around 600 laborers lost their lives to bad weather and little food. While the fort was never directly attacked, the Battle of Nashville was fought close by, and 13,000 soldiers were buried near the fort. The soldiers were eventually moved to the National Nashville Cemetery, but it is said that a few unmarked Civil War graves were left behind, and it is those soldiers who haunt Fort Negley.

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