Tennessee Historical Commission Marker for the Lotz House
In 1858, the Lotz House was built on property purchased from Fountain B. Carter by German immigrant Albert Lotz, a master carpenter and piano maker. On November 30, 1864, before the Battle of Franklin, the Lotz family sought refuge across the street in the Carter House. When the Confederates broke through the Union defenses on Columbia Pike, they were halted by Union Col. Emerson Opdykes brigade which was on both sides of the pike north of the Lotz House.
Civil War House Museum
Guided tours of the Lotz House include viewing every room. You will learn the history of the house as well as the heritage of historic furnishings, fine arts, antiques, and the Lotz family history.
Monday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday 1 – 4 pm - or, by appointment
Closed on holidays. Please call to verify hours.
Note: The last tour each day begins one hour before closing.
The Battle Of Franklin
The house, which has been on the National Historic Register since 1976 is located in the heart of downtown historic Franklin at “ground zero” of the Battle of Franklin. On the night of November 29, 1864 approximately 25,000 Northern soldiers retreated from Spring Hill, Tennessee into Franklin.
These troops quickly dug protective trenches south of the Lotz House. On the morning of November 30 the Federal Line had been established in their front yard. Mr. Lotz, fearing that his family would not survive the battle in their “wooden house,” sought refuge across the street in the brick basement of the Carter House. For 17 hours while the battle raged all around them, the Lotz along with 20 other people remained safe and survived.
When they exited the basement the next morning, they were horrified to see the bodies of dead soldiers six feet deep between The Carter House and their home. Historians describe the fighting that took place as “some of the most severe hand to hand fighting during the four year long war.” Ten thousand Americans had been killed, wounded or missing. The Lotz House served as a hospital for the wounded soldiers on both sides until the following summer. Numerous blood stains are still visible today in all of the rooms.
The house suffered severe battle damage but Mr. Lotz was quick to make repairs. However, some of the battle scars remain. During the battle a cannon ball crashed through the roof, smashing into the floor of an upstairs bedroom and down to the first floor. The large repaired patch made by Mr. Lotz remains in the second floor. And on the first floor where the cannon ball finally came to rest one can clearly see where the hot lead ball first hit, burning the floor then rolled.
Lotz House Contact Info and Location Map
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 615.790.7190
Website: www.lotzhouse.com
1111 Columbia Avenue
Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (click to view a map)