Monday, October 10, 2011

Carnton Plantation

During our visit to Tennessee, we had the opportunity to visit Carnton Plantation with the whole Pate family. During the Civil War, Carnton Plantation was used as a hospital for Confederate soldiers following the Battle Of Franklin. Since I love anything involving history, I was right in my element!



 I thought it was really sad that almost 10,000 American lives were lost in only 5 hours during The Battle  of Franklin. The McGavock family (who lived at Carnton) took it upon themselves to turn their home into a hospital for wounded soldiers. The book The Widow of the South is based on this woman's efforts to care for all the wounded men during this battle. During the actual tour of the mansion, I learned that Carrie McGavock cared for some of her patients for a year after the battle took place. Her husband selflessly donated some of his land for a cemetery for the confederate soldiers who lay dead after the battle.

 This is the back porch of Carnton.   More than 150 years earlier, 6 generals lay dead after the battle. 4 of those generals were laid out on the McGavock's back porch so that the surviving soldiers could walk past and pay their last respects. 


 Federal style details on the columns (the house was originally decorated in the Federal style. When John Randal and Carrie inherited this home, they redecorated it in the Greek Revival style. Some Federal elements still remain.)


 The smokehouse




 Jeremy and Ava in front of the slave quarters.







 The springhouse











Jeremy and Linda Jo resting on a bench before we left Carnton.

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