Facts below are drawn from the linked sources.
Real history
Carnton was built in 1826 by Randal McGavock (Battle of Franklin Trust). After the Battle of Franklin it served as a field hospital, and the McGavocks set aside land for a Confederate cemetery (Wikipedia).
Ghost stories
These are reported legends, not verified events. The creepiness score (1–5) is Spook Atlas's own editorial rating, not a measurement.
Franklin Is reports visitors describing a woman crossing the back porch and a soldier pacing the front. Source: Franklin Is.
Then and now

Public access
Open to the public Carnton is open for daily guided tours (Hours & directions). Last checked: Nov 1, 2026.
Explore more
- More places in Franklin and Tennessee
- More haunted & abandoned houses
- More haunted & abandoned battlefields
- More haunted & abandoned cemeteries
- Nearby: Carter House (Franklin, TN), Lotz House (Franklin, TN), Ryman Auditorium (Nashville, TN), Tennessee State Prison (Nashville, TN)
⚠️ Please read: This information may be outdated and conditions change. Verify access with the owner or operator before you go. Spook Atlas does not encourage trespassing. Entering private, closed or condemned property can be illegal and dangerous. Report a correction.
Reader experiences
Not yet accepting submissions. Reader stories are coming later; this form is switched off and sends nothing. All stories are moderated before they appear. Posts describing trespassing, break-ins or how to get into closed areas are removed.
