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Explore pivotal moments and stories of the Civil War and life in Franklin, Tennessee.

Purchase Lotz House Tickets Below

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History About Lotz House

In 1855, German immigrant Johann Albert Lotz purchased 5 acres of land in Franklin, Tennessee, and completed his home three years later. A master carpenter and piano maker, Lotz used the house to showcase his craftsmanship. The home features impressive woodwork, including three intricately carved fireplace mantels, a free-floating black walnut staircase, and a unique inverted piano leg as the newel post. Lotz also crafted the home’s exterior, with hand-carved acorn finials, millwork, and cartouches, demonstrating his exceptional skill and artistry. On the night of November 29, 1864, the Battle of Franklin 1864 would ensue right outside the front doors. While the Lotz House was constructed expertly, a wooden house was unfit for battle. The Lotz Family would seek shelter across the street in the brick basement of the Carter House. The family would survive the battle, but the Lotz House would suffer some structural damage from cannonfire. Although Mr. Lotz made repairs quickly, visitors today can still see the evidence of the cannonballs. The Lotz House Franklin TN would serve as a hospital for both sides of the war after the battle, as evident by bloodstains on the floors. Purchase your Lotz House tickets today!

History About Lotz House

In 1855, German immigrant Johann Albert Lotz purchased 5 acres of land in Franklin, Tennessee, and completed his home three years later. A master carpenter and piano maker, Lotz used the house to showcase his craftsmanship. The home features impressive woodwork, including three intricately carved fireplace mantels, a free-floating black walnut staircase, and a unique inverted piano leg as the newel post. Lotz also crafted the home’s exterior, with hand-carved acorn finials, millwork, and cartouches, demonstrating his exceptional skill and artistry. On the night of November 29, 1864, the Battle of Franklin 1864 would ensue right outside the front doors. While the Lotz House was constructed expertly, a wooden house was unfit for battle. The Lotz Family would seek shelter across the street in the brick basement of the Carter House. The family would survive the battle, but the Lotz House would suffer some structural damage from cannonfire. Although Mr. Lotz made repairs quickly, visitors today can still see the evidence of the cannonballs. The Lotz House Franklin TN would serve as a hospital for both sides of the war after the battle, as evident by bloodstains on the floors. Purchase your Lotz House tickets today!

Choose Your Experience

Journey back in time on one of the many tours offered of the Lotz House. The stories of the past come alive through authentic displays of historical items, thoughtfully arranged along an engaging American history timeline and brought to life by the words of our knowledgeable tour guides. This museum offers a rich blend of history and mystery, providing visitors with a variety of immersive experiences. The house tour showcases the home’s historical significance, with detailed insights into its architecture and past residents. For those seeking a spine-tingling adventure, the ghost tour takes you through the eerie corners of the property, revealing chilling stories of spirits that linger. The women’s history tour highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women during pivotal moments in history, offering a new perspective on the past. Venture below ground with the cellar tour, where you’ll uncover hidden history beneath the floors. The walking battlefield tour allows you to walk in the footsteps of soldiers, experiencing the intensity and significance of the historic battle that shaped the region, led by the nation’s expert on the Battle of Franklin, Thomas Y. Cartwright. Sundays With Chuck includes a 3-hour immersive tour of the history of the house, the Lotz family, the Civil War, antiquities, ghost stories, and so much more! There is something for everyone, whether you are a visiting tourist or a history buff; schedule a tour today at the best Battle Of Franklin Civil War museum.

Schedule a Tour
GHOST TOUR
WOMEN'S HISTORY TOUR
WALKING BATTLEFIELD TOUR
CELLAR TOUR
SUNDAY'S WITH CHUCK

Ghost Tours

Saturday, 10/4/25 at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, 10/11/25 at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, 10/18/25 at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, 10/25/25 at 6:00 p.m.

Check-in 5:45 p.m. Reservations Required.

Saturday, 11/1/25 at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, 11/8/25 at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, 11/15/25 at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, 11/22/25 at 6:00 p.m.

Check-in 5:45 p.m. Reservations Required.

Kelly Kautzman’s Women’s History Tours

Sunday, 10/5/25 at 6:30 p.m.

Monday, 10/13/25 at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, 10/19/25 at 6:30 p.m.

Monday, 10/27/25 at 6:30 p.m.

Check in at 6:15 p.m. Reservations Required.

Sunday, 11/2/25 at 6:30 p.m.

Monday, 11/10/25 at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, 11/16/25 at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, 11/29/25 at 6:30 p.m. (Matilda’s Birthday Tour)

Check in at 6:15 p.m. Reservations Required.

Choose Your Experience

Journey back in time on one of the many tours offered of the Lotz House. The stories of the past come alive through authentic displays of historical items, thoughtfully arranged along an engaging American history timeline and brought to life by the words of our knowledgeable tour guides. This museum offers a rich blend of history and mystery, providing visitors with a variety of immersive experiences. The house tour showcases the home’s historical significance, with detailed insights into its architecture and past residents. For those seeking a spine-tingling adventure, the ghost tour takes you through the eerie corners of the property, revealing chilling stories of spirits that linger. The women’s history tour highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women during pivotal moments in history, offering a new perspective on the past. Venture below ground with the cellar tour, where you’ll uncover hidden history beneath the floors. The walking battlefield tour allows you to walk in the footsteps of soldiers, experiencing the intensity and significance of the historic battle that shaped the region, led by the nation’s expert on the Battle of Franklin, Thomas Y. Cartwright. Sundays With Chuck includes a 3-hour immersive tour of the history of the house, the Lotz family, the Civil War, antiquities, ghost stories, and so much more! There is something for everyone, whether you are a visiting tourist or a history buff; schedule a tour today at the best Battle Of Franklin Civil War museum.

Schedule a Tour
GHOST TOUR
WOMEN'S HISTORY TOUR
WALKING BATTLEFIELD TOUR
CELLAR TOUR
SUNDAY'S WITH CHUCK
× Advance reservations are required for the following specialty tours. Please call (615)-790-7190 or email info@lotzhouse.com to book tickets.
When you are travelling. You hope you will discover something you will never forget. The Lotz House Museum. Unforgettable…

 

-Dennis Ferrier

Went to the Lotz house with my parents and partner and enjoyed a wonderful tour led by Evan. Evan was friendly, informative, charismatic and brought the stories of the Lotz family and the Battle of Franklin to life. A true gem in Franklin and well worth a visit for tourists and local history buffs alike.

 

-Josh R

Chuck was our tour guide. His passion for the history of the Franklin battle and his detailed explanation of how the Lotz House and family was dead center of the conflict was brought to life with great stories and full of character. I wish I had him as my high school history teacher, I might have paid attention. Thank you sir.

 

-Aidan B

We’ve gone on many tours of historical houses and the tour of the Lotz House ranks with the best! The story of the house, which is located on a Civil War battlefield, is fascinating as is the story of the master craftsman who built it and the family that lived there. The house is filled with thousands of artifacts retrieved from the battlefield, plus furniture and other articles from this house and others of the period. Our tour guide, Will, was friendly and knowledgeable and offered a short history lesson of the battle, the house and the people who lived there. While many house tours require visitors to stand behind ropes while viewing the rooms, this tour allow visitors to enter and browse every room. Tours begin on the hour and, in our opinion, are a “must see” in Franklin.

 

-Hal W

Being a relative newcomer to Tennessee, I wasn’t sure what a “Lotz House” was, but I’m very glad that I gave it a look-see. In a very informative 45+ minute tour of the house, I learned about the Battle of Franklin, the German immigrant master craftsman who built the house, and his extraordinary family – including his daughter Matilda – a world-renowned painter of animal life. Thanks to Will and Thomas!

 

-Alan C

We went on a Lotz House tour that focused on womens’ history – both locally and nationally during the Civil War era. It was incredible, and we all loved our tour guide, Kelly Kautzman. She was full of knowledge and enthusiasm. She immediately got a feel for our interests, and aligned her information and presentation based on that. The house is beautifully restored and preserved, and the story behind it is fascinating, as is much of Franklin’s rich Civil War era history.

 

-Cindy

Wow! I love when guides are passionate about their history! Thomas was one of the best tour guides if not the best we have ever had on a tour! He knew all his information plus extra! We learned so much! Make sure to take a tour of the Lotz house if you are ever in Franklin!

 

-Debbie A

We visited this week and were surprised to get a tour just by ourselves with Thomas, their resident Civil War expert. He shared the history of the house and the Lotz family, but he also answered all the our questions about the house and the battle. It was really great. I had an ancestor who fought at the Battle of Franklin and he told me facts about the company and where they fought and the details of the battle. Amazing. We got a wonderful tour and more details than we ever expected. Loved it and will return!

 

-Dan B

From Our Gallery

A Glimpse into our Historic House

Cannon ball

In the gift shop guests can see where a cannon ball from the Battle of Franklin landed and burned an imprint into the wooden floor. Guests can also see on the second story where the flooring was repaired after the cannon ripped through the master bedroom. The battle scars are apparent throughout the house.

Blood stains

Following the Battle of Franklin, the Lotz House became a field hospital caring for the wounded. On the tour visitors can see blood stains where the injured were propped up against the walls, leaving a pudding of blood stains where they sat.

Relics

There are several displays of relics. Picked up off the battlefield in Franklin including personal items such as tin type photographs to forks, buckles, money and firearms.

Belter chair

The antiques in the Lotz House are some of the finest collections of 1820 – 1860’s American Victorian including this Belter chair. Top carvers including Belter, Millard and even two pieces by Johaan Albert Lotz himself are on display.

Lotz House Luminaries

Annually the Lotz House commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Franklin on November 30. Luminaries are lit to honor the 10,000 casualties of the battle and supporters gather to remember what happened on that historic day more than 160 years ago.

Staying Room

The Staying Room was where the family enjoyed playing games, sewing, reading and talking. Displayed on the table is an 1856 ladies’ carriage bonnet made of handkerchief linen. The wallpaper is a replica of the original paper that would have been in that room. Old Paris porcelain can be found throughout the house.

Table by Johann Albert Lotz

This table was handmade by Johann and he took it with him when he and his family left Franklin. In recent years, the Lotz family returned this magnificent piece of furniture to the Lotz House and travelled from California in a pickup truck to deliver it. In the background is a sofa, another original piece of furniture carved by Johann.

Exceptional Civil War Memorabilia on Display

Long time supports and friends Jean and Jo Ed Gaddes donated an exceptional piece of Civil War memorabilia which is now on display at the house. The wife of a soldier from Tennessee welcomed her husband home by presenting him with a very special wooden box. On the outside are his initials J-R-S, on the inside left it reads “To My Hero Husband” over a wreath of flowers and on the right-side Mary attached a handsewn battle flag.

Matilda’s Shoes

In Matilda’s room, guests can see her original shoes, toy and mittens that her family in California donated to the house. Matilda turned six years old the day before the Battle of Franklin when her life changed forever. She later grew up to become a famous portrait artist.

Hoop Skirt

This is the representation of a 19th Century hoop skirt which is displayed in the second story hallway next to a mirror where the ladies would have checked the hems of their skirts.

Grayline

Groups from all over the world visit the Lotz House which is the #1 attraction in Franklin according to TripAdvisor.

Falcon on the Roof

You never know who’s going to fly in to visit the Lotz House.

Mantle in the Keeping Room

The Keeping Room was reserved for special guests, and visitors can see one of three of Johann Albert Lotz’s mantles which he carved to showcase his work. The house served as his showroom to demonstrate his quality of work and levels of intricacy from simple to elaborate.

Brick wall

The brick fireplace is bullet-ridden with chips throughout, because of the Battle of Franklin. There are battle scars throughout the house including bullet holes, blood stains and cannon ball burns.

Drum found on the battlefield

The house showcases many items found on the battlefield and in the front yard including this drum. Other items include a corn cob wash board, soldier’s bible, belt buckles including one that has a bullet lodged in the center.

Cannon ball

In the gift shop guests can see where a cannon ball from the Battle of Franklin landed and burned an imprint into the wooden floor. Guests can also see on the second story where the flooring was repaired after the cannon ripped through the master bedroom. The battle scars are apparent throughout the house.

Blood stains

Following the Battle of Franklin, the Lotz House became a field hospital caring for the wounded. On the tour visitors can see blood stains where the injured were propped up against the walls, leaving a pudding of blood stains where they sat.

Relics

There are several displays of relics picked up off the battlefield in Franklin including personal items such as tin type photographs to forks, buckles, money and firearms

Belter chair

The antiques in the Lotz House are some of the finest collections of 1820 – 1860’s American Victorian including this Belter chair. Top carvers including Belter, Millard and even two pieces by Johaan Albert Lotz himself are on display.

Lotz House Luminaries

Annually the Lotz House commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Franklin on November 30. Luminaries are lit to honor the 10,000 casualties of the battle and supporters gather to remember what happened on that historic day more than 160 years ago.

Staying Room

The Staying Room was where the family enjoyed playing games, sewing, reading and talking. Displayed on the table is an 1856 ladies’ carriage bonnet made of handkerchief linen. The wallpaper is a replica of the original paper that would have been in that room. Old Paris porcelain can be found throughout the house.

Table by Johann Albert Lotz

This table was handmade by Johann and he took it with him when he and his family left Franklin. In recent years, the Lotz family returned this magnificent piece of furniture to the Lotz House and travelled from California in a pickup truck to deliver it. In the background is a sofa, another original piece of furniture carved by Johann.

Thomas Cartwright receiving a gift...

Long time supports and friends Jean and Jo Ed Gaddes donated an exceptional piece of Civil War memorabilia which is now on display at the house. The wife of a soldier from Tennessee welcomed her husband home by presenting him with a very special wooden box. On the outside are his initials J-R-S, on the inside left it reads “To My Hero Husband” over a wreath of flowers and on the right-side Mary attached a handsewn battle flag.

Matilda’s Shoes

In Matilda’s room, guests can see her original shoes, toy and mittens that her family in California donated to the house. Matilda turned six years old the day before the Battle of Franklin when her life changed forever. She later grew up to become a famous portrait artist.

Hoop Skirt

This is the representation of a 19th Century hoop skirt which is displayed in the second story hallway next to a mirror where the ladies would have checked the hems of their skirts.

Grayline

Groups from all over the world visit the Lotz House which is the #1 attraction in Franklin according to TripAdvisor.

Falcon on the Roof

You never know who’s going to fly in to visit the Lotz House

Mantle in the Keeping Room

The Keeping Room was reserved for special guests, and visitors can see one of three of Johann Albert Lotz’s mantles which he carved to showcase his work. The house served as his showroom to demonstrate his quality of work and levels of intricacy from simple to elaborate.

Brick wall

The brick fireplace is bullet-ridden with chips throughout, because of the Battle of Franklin. There are battle scars throughout the house including bullet holes, blood stains and cannon ball burns.

Drum found on the battlefield

The house showcases many items found on the battlefield and in the front yard including this drum. Other items include a corn cob wash board, soldier’s bible, belt buckles including one that has a bullet lodged in the center.
View our gallery of guests enjoying their experience with history.
Look Who is Visiting the Lotz House
The Tennessee Wraith Chasers are a paranormal investigation team that visited the Lotz House for a national TV show about their experience with paranormal activity at the Lotz House.
Look Who - Abe with reenactors
Reba McEntire 2024
Look who - Thomas with military
Look Who and Walking Battlefield- Thomas Cartwright with School Group

The Tennessee Wraith Chasers are a paranormal investigation team that visited the Lotz House for a national TV show about their experience with paranormal activity at the Lotz House.

Reenactors including Abe Lincoln often visit the Lotz House and host “Living History” experiences where visitors can see how soldiers lived during the Civil War.

Lotz House President J.T. Thompson welcomed country legend Reba McEntyre, Iain “Young Sheldon” Armitage and his mother and Reba’s boyfriend and actor Rex Linn of CSI Miami.

U.S. Military troops from across the U.S. Thank you for your service!

School groups from across Middle Tennessee

CONTACT US

For more information about our tours or services, please contact our office.
Phone: 615-790-7190

 

Email: jtt@LotzHouse.com

 

Address: 1111 Columbia Avenue , Franklin, TN 37064

 

Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Lotz House Commemorates 161st Anniversary

November 30

In commemoration of the 161st Anniversary of the Battle of Franklin held on November 30, the Lotz House will host a Walking Battlefield Tour in the morning and an Illumination Ceremony on the front lawn of the home, ground zero of the Battle of Franklin at 4:30 p.m., the time the battle ensued. In addition, they will celebrate Matilda Lotz's birthday the day prior to the battle when she turned six years old.