Category Archives: Book Reviews
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Looking for book recommendations? For more than 30 years, BookPage has been a trusted source for book reviews, recommendations, and author interviews. We are pleased to be able to provide this monthly book review and recommendation guide to our patrons in both print and digital editions.
BookPage highlights intriguing new voices as well as anticipated bestsellers, pointing readers to the best new releases across all genres including historical fiction, literary fiction, popular fiction, mysteries & thrillers, nonfiction, biography & memoir, romance, cozies, audiobooks, lifestyles, children’s, young adult and more. Discover your next great book to read and borrow it from the library today!
WCPL RESOURCES FOR FURTHER READING AND VIEWING: VAMPIRES, ZOMBIES, MUMMIES
VAMPIRE NONFICTION
- Guiley, Rosemary. The Encyclopedia of Vampires, Werewolves, and Other Monsters. New York, NY: Facts on File, 2005. (133.423 GUI)
- Davison, Carol Margaret, ed. Bram Stocker’s Dracula: Sucking Through the Century, 1897-1997. Toronto: Dundurn, 1997 (823.8 BRA)
- Stott, Andrew McConnell. The Poet and the Vampyre: The Curse of Byron and the Birth of Literature’s Greatest Monsters. New York: Pegasus , LLC, 2014. (820.9145 STO)
- Pollard, Tom. Loving Vampires: Our Undead Obsession. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc. 2016 (398.21 POL)
VAMPIRE FILMS AND TV
- Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter (DVD ABRAHAM)
- Buffy, The Vampire Slayer (DVD BUFFY)
- Dracula: The Legacy Collection (DVD DRACULA)
- Bram Stoker’s Dracula (DVD DRACULA)
- Dracula 2000 (DVD DRACULA)
- Dracula Untold (DVD DRACULA)
- Interview with the Vampire (DVD INTERVIEW)
- True Blood, Seasons 1–7 (DVD TRUE)
- Twilight (DVD TWILIGHT)
- Twilight: New Moon (DVD TWILIGHT)
- Twilight: Eclipse (DVD TWILIGHT)
- Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 (DVD TWILIGHT)
- Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 (DVD TWILIGHT)
- Van Helsing (DVD VAN)
- Vampire Secrets (DVD 398.21 VAM)
ZOMBIE NONFICTION
- Fonseca, Anthony J., and June Michele Pulliam. Encyclopedia of the Zombie: The Walking Dead in Popular Culture and Myth. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, LLC, 2014. (398.21 ENC)
- Holder, Geoff. Zombies From History. Stroud: History, 2013. (398.45 HOL)
- Swain, Frank. How to Make a Zombie: The Real Life (and Death) Science of Reanimation and Mind Control. London: Oneworld Publications, 2013. (398.45 SWA)
ZOMBIE FILMS AND TV
- Maggie (DVD MAGGIE)
- Night of the Living Dead (DVD NIGHT)
- Shaun of the Dead (DVD SHAUN)
- 20-Horror Movies: Tales of Terror (includes White Zombie) (DVD TWENTY)
- The Walking Dead, Seasons 1–10 (DVD WALKING)
- World War Z (DVD WORLD)
MUMMY NONFICTION
- David, A. Rosalie, and Rick Archbold. Conversations with Mummies: New Light on the Lives of Ancient Egyptians. New York: Morrow, 2000. (932 DAV)
- Janot, Francis. The Royal Mummies: Immortality in Ancient Egypt. Vercelli: White Star, 2008. (932 JAN)
- Mertz, Barbara. Red Land, Black Land: Daily Life in Ancient Egypt. New York: Dodd, Mead, 1978. (932 MER)
MUMMY FILMS AND TV
- Egypt Eternal: The Quest for Lost Tombs (DVD 932 EGY)
- The Mummy (Legacy Collection including 1932 film starring Boris Karloff) (DVD MUMMY)
- The Mummy (1999) (DVD MUMMY)
- The Mummy Returns (DVD MUMMY)
🏡A Look Inside Carnton Plantation: A House Claimed to be One of the Most Haunted Places in Franklin👻
This post was written by one of our wonderful reference assistants – it may be one of the most appropriate blog posts for this time of year.
By Bailey Davidson
With spooky season in full swing it seems only fitting to discuss one of the historical landmarks in Franklin that may or may not be one the most haunted places in the city. This particular place is close to home right here in the heart of downtown Franklin, just a five minute drive from the library. The Plantation itself was restored in the 1970s by the Carnton Association and reopened shortly after for tour, gift shops, etc.
👻A Brief History of Carnton Plantation:
The Carnton Plantation was built by Randal McGavock in the earlier decades of the nineteenth century and completed in 1826. Initially, Randal McGavock, his wife, Sarah Dougherty Rodgers, and their four children all lived at the Carnton Plantation. Following the death of Randal, his oldest son, John, took over the plantation and then added five features to the house, including the front and back porches. John and his wife, Carrie, then lived in the house with their two surviving children, Winder and Hattie.
The Civil War began at this time, chaos erupted with continuous bloody battles as Union and Confederate soldiers fought for their respective sides all while Carnton seemed to be spared – that is until the evening of November 30, 1864. On that night in November, the Battle of Franklin took place almost in the backyard of Carnton Plantation, a place that had served as a field hospital for the soldiers. A combined 8,000+ soldiers, from both sides, died within hours. This was a substantial defeat for the confederacy, ultimately resulting in its spiraling downfall following the battle.
As for Carnton Plantation, following the war, it remained within the McGavock family until the early twentieth century when Winder’s wife sold the home following his death. The home then continued to be sold to different buyers throughout the years until 1977 when the final private owner of the home, Dr. Sugg, donated it to the Carnton Association, facilitating the restoration of the house.
👻Why did ghost stories arise around the Carnton Plantation?
Not only is Carnton Plantation home to one of the largest Confederate cemeteries, but it’s also the site of thousands of deaths during the Battle of Franklin, all of which suggest to supernatural fans the possibility of ghosts. Not only does the history of the home hint at the possibility of ghostly apparitions, but the blood stained floors and the eerie mass solider cemetery in the backyard have prompted many claims of ghost sightings on the grounds.
One example of this is from the early 2000s when a tour guide’s daughter claims to have seen the ghost of a woman with dark hair in a white dress standing on the balcony. According to the daughter the woman was staring off at her mother – at the time giving a guided tour in the cemetery.
In addition to this specter, many have claimed to see the ghost an aged soldier walking the grounds with particularly loud boots. Multiple people have claimed to have either seen or heard this ghost on the grounds and an author, Christopher Coleman, claims that this is most likely the spirit of General Patrick Cleburne.
👻Just how haunted is the Carnton Plantation?
While we cannot definitely say that the Carnton Plantation is indeed haunted, all of the claims of ghostly apparitions and sightings give the home a spooky atmosphere. It is up to you to decide if the house is actually haunted.
**All information provided has been accessed from the Carnton Association website and from information received during a tour. In addition, the ghost stories were accessed from the book (currently available at the library) Haunted Tennessee: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena of the Volunteer State by Alan Brown. **
👻What books can you find at the Williamson County Public Library on the Carnton Plantation/ Carnton Plantation Ghost Stories?
- Haunted Tennessee: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena of the Volunteer State By: Alan Brown (Located in Nonfiction Call Number 133.109768 BRO)
- Carton Plantation By: Robert Hicks (Located in Special Collections under TN Military History, for in house use only)
- Hattie’s Carnton: Plantation Life in the Generation of the Civil War By: Helen Hemphill (Located in Special Collections under TN Williamson History, for in house use only)
- Historic Carton Plantation Published by the Carnton Association (Located in Special Collections under TN Williamson History, for in house use only)
Carnton Books in Special Collections
Patriot Day
By Katy Searcy, Children’s Department
Most of us vividly remember the morning of September 11, 2001. We remember exactly where we were and what we were doing. But today, many children were either born after that date or were too young to remember the attacks. For those kids, here are eleven children’s books about September 11, 2001.
It’s Still a Dog’s New York by Susan L. Roth (J E ROT)
Pepper and Rover, two New York dogs, are miserable after the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Pepper feels overwhelmed with sadness and fear and anger. But in a tour of New York City, his friend Rover shows him that even though they’re sad, they can go on.
September Roses by Jeanette Winter (J E WIN)
On September 11, 2001, two sisters from South Africa are flying to New York City with 2,400 roses to be displayed at a flower show. When they land, they learn of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. The sisters cannot go home, and they are stranded with boxes and boxes of roses at the airport. When a kind stranger offers them a place to stay, they decide to repay this kindness by arranging their roses in the shape of the fallen towers.
Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes (J F RHODES)
As the anniversary of 9/11 approaches, Deja’s fifth grade teacher at her new school begins a unit on the tragedy, but Deja doesn’t completely understand why. Not when she has more important things to worry about, like the fact that her family is living in a homeless shelter or why her father is so sad all the time. As she begins making friends at school for the first time in her life, Deja realizes just how much the Twin Towers affect her.
I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001 by Lauren Tarshis (J F TARSHIS)
When Lucas’s parents decide football is too dangerous and make him quit, Lucas has to talk to his biggest fan: his Uncle Benny, who is a New York City firefighter. So the next morning, Lucas takes the train to the city instead of the bus to school. It’s a bright, beautiful day in New York. But just as Lucas arrives at his uncle’s firehouse, everything changes—and nothing will ever be the same again.
Cyber Spies and Secret Agents of Modern Times by Allison Lassieur (J 327.12 LAS)
The terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, spurred the United States and other countries around the world to develop new spying techniques, new cutting-edge equipment, and new recruits to meet the challenge of 21st century enemies and threats. Learn about the exciting modern world of spies and secret agents.
14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy (J 327.676073 DEE)
Nine months after the September 11 attacks, an American diplomat is surrounded by hundreds of Maasai people in western Kenya. A gift is about to be bestowed upon the American people, and he is here to accept it. Word of the gift will travel newswires around the globe. Many will be profoundly touched, but for Americans, this selfless gesture will have deeper meaning still. For a heartsick nation, the gift of fourteen cows emerges from the choking dust and darkness as a soft light of hope and friendship.
What Were the Twin Towers? by Jim O’Conner (J 725.23097471 O’CO)
When the Twin Towers were built in 1973, they were billed as an architectural wonder. At 1,368 feet, they clocked in as the tallest buildings in the world and changed the New York City skyline dramatically. Offices and corporations moved into the towers—also known as the World Trade Center—and the buildings were seen as the economic hub of the world. But on September 11, 2001, a terrorist attack toppled the towers and changed our nation forever. Discover the whole story of the Twin Towers—from their ambitious construction to their tragic end.
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein (J 791.34 GER)
In 1974, French aerialist Philippe Petit threw a tightrope between the two towers of the World Trade Center and spent an hour walking, dancing, and performing high-wire tricks a quarter mile in the sky. This picture book captures the detail, daring, and drama of Petit’s feat.
September 11 Then and Now by Peter Benoit (J 973.931 BEN)
This nonfiction book in the True Book series for young readers recounts the events before, during, and after the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2001.
America Is Under Attack: The Day the Towers Fell: September 11, 2001 by Don Brown (J 973.931 BRO)
Straightforward and honest, this account of September 11, 2001, moves chronologically through the morning, from the terrorist plane hijackings to the crashes at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania; from the rescue operations at the World Trade Center site in New York City to the collapse of the buildings.
Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maira Kalman (J 974.7 KAL)
A fireboat, launched in 1931, is retired after many years of fighting fires along the Hudson River but is saved from being scrapped and then called into service again on September 11, 2001.
🏡A Look Inside Carnton Plantation: A House Claimed to be One of the Most Haunted Places in Franklin👻
This post was written last year by one of our wonderful reference assistants – it may be one of the most appropriate blog posts for this time of year.
By Bailey Davidson
With spooky season in full swing it seems only fitting to discuss one of the historical landmarks in Franklin that may or may not be one the most haunted places in the city. This particular place is close to home right here in the heart of downtown Franklin, just a five minute drive from the library. The Plantation itself was restored in the 1970s by the Carnton Association and reopened shortly after for tour, gift shops, etc.
👻A Brief History of Carnton Plantation:
The Carnton Plantation was built by Randal McGavock in the earlier decades of the nineteenth century and completed in 1826. Initially, Randal McGavock, his wife, Sarah Dougherty Rodgers, and their four children all lived at the Carnton Plantation. Following the death of Randal, his oldest son, John, took over the plantation and then added five features to the house, including the front and back porches. John and his wife, Carrie, then lived in the house with their two surviving children, Winder and Hattie.
The Civil War began at this time, chaos erupted with continuous bloody battles as Union and Confederate soldiers fought for their respective sides all while Carnton seemed to be spared – that is until the evening of November 30, 1864. On that night in November, the Battle of Franklin took place almost in the backyard of Carnton Plantation, a place that had served as a field hospital for the soldiers. A combined 8,000+ soldiers, from both sides, died within hours. This was a substantial defeat for the confederacy, ultimately resulting in its spiraling downfall following the battle.
As for Carnton Plantation, following the war, it remained within the McGavock family until the early twentieth century when Winder’s wife sold the home following his death. The home then continued to be sold to different buyers throughout the years until 1977 when the final private owner of the home, Dr. Sugg, donated it to the Carnton Association, facilitating the restoration of the house.
👻Why did ghost stories arise around the Carnton Plantation?
Not only is Carnton Plantation home to one of the largest Confederate cemeteries, but it’s also the site of thousands of deaths during the Battle of Franklin, all of which suggest to supernatural fans the possibility of ghosts. Not only does the history of the home hint at the possibility of ghostly apparitions, but the blood stained floors and the eerie mass solider cemetery in the backyard have prompted many claims of ghost sightings on the grounds.
One example of this is from the early 2000s when a tour guide’s daughter claims to have seen the ghost of a woman with dark hair in a white dress standing on the balcony. According to the daughter the woman was staring off at her mother – at the time giving a guided tour in the cemetery.
In addition to this specter, many have claimed to see the ghost an aged soldier walking the grounds with particularly loud boots. Multiple people have claimed to have either seen or heard this ghost on the grounds and an author, Christopher Coleman, claims that this is most likely the spirit of General Patrick Cleburne.
👻Just how haunted is the Carnton Plantation?
While we cannot definitely say that the Carnton Plantation is indeed haunted, all of the claims of ghostly apparitions and sightings give the home a spooky atmosphere. It is up to you to decide if the house is actually haunted.
**All information provided has been accessed from the Carnton Association website and from information received during a tour. In addition, the ghost stories were accessed from the book (currently available at the library) Haunted Tennessee: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena of the Volunteer State by Alan Brown. **
👻What books can you find at the Williamson County Public Library on the Carnton Plantation/ Carnton Plantation Ghost Stories?
- Haunted Tennessee: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena of the Volunteer State By: Alan Brown (Located in Nonfiction Call Number 133.109768 BRO)
- Carton Plantation By: Robert Hicks (Located in Special Collections under TN Military History, for in house use only)
- Hattie’s Carnton: Plantation Life in the Generation of the Civil War By: Helen Hemphill (Located in Special Collections under TN Williamson History, for in house use only)
- Historic Carton Plantation Published by the Carnton Association (Located in Special Collections under TN Williamson History, for in house use only)
Carnton Books in Special Collections
Patriot Day
By Katy Searcy, Children’s Department
Most of us vividly remember the morning of September 11, 2001. We remember exactly where we were and what we were doing. But today, many children were either born after that date or were too young to remember the attacks. For those kids, here are eleven children’s books about September 11, 2001.
It’s Still a Dog’s New York by Susan L. Roth (J E ROT)
Pepper and Rover, two New York dogs, are miserable after the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Pepper feels overwhelmed with sadness and fear and anger. But in a tour of New York City, his friend Rover shows him that even though they’re sad, they can go on.
September Roses by Jeanette Winter (J E WIN)
On September 11, 2001, two sisters from South Africa are flying to New York City with 2,400 roses to be displayed at a flower show. When they land, they learn of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. The sisters cannot go home, and they are stranded with boxes and boxes of roses at the airport. When a kind stranger offers them a place to stay, they decide to repay this kindness by arranging their roses in the shape of the fallen towers.
Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes (J F RHODES)
As the anniversary of 9/11 approaches, Deja’s fifth grade teacher at her new school begins a unit on the tragedy, but Deja doesn’t completely understand why. Not when she has more important things to worry about, like the fact that her family is living in a homeless shelter or why her father is so sad all the time. As she begins making friends at school for the first time in her life, Deja realizes just how much the Twin Towers affect her.
I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001 by Lauren Tarshis (J F TARSHIS)
When Lucas’s parents decide football is too dangerous and make him quit, Lucas has to talk to his biggest fan: his Uncle Benny, who is a New York City firefighter. So the next morning, Lucas takes the train to the city instead of the bus to school. It’s a bright, beautiful day in New York. But just as Lucas arrives at his uncle’s firehouse, everything changes—and nothing will ever be the same again.
Cyber Spies and Secret Agents of Modern Times by Allison Lassieur (J 327.12 LAS)
The terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, spurred the United States and other countries around the world to develop new spying techniques, new cutting-edge equipment, and new recruits to meet the challenge of 21st century enemies and threats. Learn about the exciting modern world of spies and secret agents.
14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy (J 327.676073 DEE)
Nine months after the September 11 attacks, an American diplomat is surrounded by hundreds of Maasai people in western Kenya. A gift is about to be bestowed upon the American people, and he is here to accept it. Word of the gift will travel newswires around the globe. Many will be profoundly touched, but for Americans, this selfless gesture will have deeper meaning still. For a heartsick nation, the gift of fourteen cows emerges from the choking dust and darkness as a soft light of hope and friendship.
What Were the Twin Towers? by Jim O’Conner (J 725.23097471 O’CO)
When the Twin Towers were built in 1973, they were billed as an architectural wonder. At 1,368 feet, they clocked in as the tallest buildings in the world and changed the New York City skyline dramatically. Offices and corporations moved into the towers—also known as the World Trade Center—and the buildings were seen as the economic hub of the world. But on September 11, 2001, a terrorist attack toppled the towers and changed our nation forever. Discover the whole story of the Twin Towers—from their ambitious construction to their tragic end.
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein (J 791.34 GER)
In 1974, French aerialist Philippe Petit threw a tightrope between the two towers of the World Trade Center and spent an hour walking, dancing, and performing high-wire tricks a quarter mile in the sky. This picture book captures the detail, daring, and drama of Petit’s feat.
September 11 Then and Now by Peter Benoit (J 973.931 BEN)
This nonfiction book in the True Book series for young readers recounts the events before, during, and after the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2001.
America Is Under Attack: The Day the Towers Fell: September 11, 2001 by Don Brown (J 973.931 BRO)
Straightforward and honest, this account of September 11, 2001, moves chronologically through the morning, from the terrorist plane hijackings to the crashes at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania; from the rescue operations at the World Trade Center site in New York City to the collapse of the buildings.
Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maira Kalman (J 974.7 KAL)
A fireboat, launched in 1931, is retired after many years of fighting fires along the Hudson River but is saved from being scrapped and then called into service again on September 11, 2001.
Summer Reading Program Tails and Tales 2021
We will have three different groups for Summer Reading Challenges :
Children ages birth-7th grade,
Teens ages 7th-12th grade, and
Adults 19+!
Registration went live online, June 1, using Beanstack for all Summer Reading Challenges https://williamsoncounty.beanstack.org
Login in using your established account from previous challenges you participated in or, if you are new to Beanstack, sign up for an account using these instructions: Beanstack Instructions
Once you have reached your reading milestones in your summer challenges you are welcome to stop in your home branch to pick up your prizes. Prizes will need to be picked up in person from your home library branch. Ticket drawings for the Children and Teen activity side prizes will take place after summer reading has ended and winners will be notified directly by library staff. Please note that all prizes are for local pick-up only and will not be mailed.
More Performer details are coming soon! We will have a mixed variety of performers this year some will virtually be recorded by WC-TV and others will be Zoom calls with Chattanooga Zoo and the Elephant Sanctuary. Some classic performers like Bob Tarter, Jacob Johnson, Bruce Amato’s Magic show and Magic class, …
Ventriloquist Jill Thatcher will bring us a fun animal-themed puppet video show with an additional video craft show.
A special Thank You to our wonderful Sponsors for our Summer Reading Program. You make these performers, programs, and prizes possible for our wonderful community!
📚Amy’s New and Noteworthy in Nonfiction, November 2020, Part 1📚
We get many new books every month. A few of these high interest items wind up on the New Book Shelf downstairs, but there just isn’t room for all of the good ones! In this series, we’ll highlight our newest arrivals that are more niche interest, that aren’t necessarily hitting the New Book Shelf, so you’ll know where to look for them!
By Amy
Women’s History
Sisters in Hate: American Women on the Front Lines of White Nationalism by Seyward Darby tells about the psychology and sociology of women involved in movements that are traditionally anti-feminist.
The Saigon Sisters: Privileged Women in the Resistance by Patricia D. Norland has historical accounts of women in the resistance movements in China
Current Issues – Immigration Stories
Between Everything and Nothing: the Journey of Seidu Mohammed and Razak Iyal and the Quest for Asylum by Joe Meno highlights our immigration issues with a pair of first hand accounts of the struggles of immigrants within them.
Asian History – China
The Compensations of Plunder: How China Lost its Treasures by Justin M. Jacobs is a historical breakdown of colonialism in China.
The Great Leap Backward: Forgetting and Representing the Mao Years by Lingchei Letty Chen has a lot to say about political messaging and propogranda, using China as a case study.
Social Issues
Dopeworld: Adventures in the Global Drug Trade by Niko Vorobyov examines illegal operations and how they’re run worldwide.
Current Issues – Covid-19
Pandemic: Tracking Contagions, from Cholera to Coronaviruses and Beyond by Sonia Shah is an update to a previous pandemic book, newly edited to include the modern coronavirus science.
Modern History
F*cking History: 111 Lessons you Should Have Learned in School by the Captain is a general fun history trivia book told in an entertaining way.
Remains of Socialism: Memory and the Futures of the Past in Postsocialist Hungary by Maya Nadkarni features quite a bit of sociology, examining the impact of previous movements and collective memory.
Current Issues – United States Protest History
Mayday 1971: a White House at War, a Revolt in the Streets, and the Untold History of America’s biggest Mass Arrest by Lawrence Roberts is reminiscent of our current times, and good historical analysis of times similar to ours.
Education
Grasp: the Science Transforming How we Learn by Sanjay Sarma is a resource for educators with the most current theories on how humans learn best.
All of these titles are linked to Williamson County Public Library’s Online Catalog – you can simply choose to hold them, after signing in to the Catalog with your library card number. Then, wait for confirmation from Circulation and pick up your holds between 8:30 am and 10 am Monday through Saturday for minimal contact; or you can come into the 10 am and 7 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am through 5:30 pm Friday and Saturday, or 1 pm through 5:30 pm on Sunday to retrieve your holds from Circulation.
🏡A Look Inside Carnton Plantation: A House Claimed to be One of the Most Haunted Places in Franklin👻
By Bailey Davidson
With spooky season in full swing it seems only fitting to discuss one of the historical landmarks in Franklin that may or may not be one the most haunted places in the city. This particular place is close to home right here in the heart of downtown Franklin, just a five minute drive from the library. The Plantation itself was restored in the 1970s by the Carnton Association and reopened shortly after for tour, gift shops, etc.
👻A Brief History of Carnton Plantation:
The Carnton Plantation was built by Randal McGavock in the earlier decades of the nineteenth century and completed in 1826. Initially, Randal McGavock, his wife, Sarah Dougherty Rodgers, and their four children all lived at the Carnton Plantation. Following the death of Randal, his oldest son, John, took over the plantation and then added five features to the house, including the front and back porches. John and his wife, Carrie, then lived in the house with their two surviving children, Winder and Hattie.
The Civil War began at this time, chaos erupted with continuous bloody battles as Union and Confederate soldiers fought for their respective sides all while Carnton seemed to be spared – that is until the evening of November 30, 1864. On that night in November, the Battle of Franklin took place almost in the backyard of Carnton Plantation, a place that had served as a field hospital for the soldiers. A combined 8,000+ soldiers, from both sides, died within hours. This was a substantial defeat for the confederacy, ultimately resulting in its spiraling downfall following the battle.
As for Carnton Plantation, following the war, it remained within the McGavock family until the early twentieth century when Winder’s wife sold the home following his death. The home then continued to be sold to different buyers throughout the years until 1977 when the final private owner of the home, Dr. Sugg, donated it to the Carnton Association, facilitating the restoration of the house.
👻Why did ghost stories arise around the Carnton Plantation?
Not only is Carnton Plantation home to one of the largest Confederate cemeteries, but it’s also the site of thousands of deaths during the Battle of Franklin, all of which suggest to supernatural fans the possibility of ghosts. Not only does the history of the home hint at the possibility of ghostly apparitions, but the blood stained floors and the eerie mass solider cemetery in the backyard have prompted many claims of ghost sightings on the grounds.
One example of this is from the early 2000s when a tour guide’s daughter claims to have seen the ghost of a woman with dark hair in a white dress standing on the balcony. According to the daughter the woman was staring off at her mother – at the time giving a guided tour in the cemetery.
In addition to this specter, many have claimed to see the ghost an aged soldier walking the grounds with particularly loud boots. Multiple people have claimed to have either seen or heard this ghost on the grounds and an author, Christopher Coleman, claims that this is most likely the spirit of General Patrick Cleburne.
👻Just how haunted is the Carnton Plantation?
While we cannot definitely say that the Carnton Plantation is indeed haunted, all of the claims of ghostly apparitions and sightings give the home a spooky atmosphere. It is up to you to decide if the house is actually haunted.
**All information provided has been accessed from the Carnton Association website and from information received during a tour. In addition, the ghost stories were accessed from the book (currently available at the library) Haunted Tennessee: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena of the Volunteer State by Alan Brown. **
👻What books can you find at the Williamson County Public Library on the Carnton Plantation/ Carnton Plantation Ghost Stories?
- Haunted Tennessee: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena of the Volunteer State By: Alan Brown (Located in Nonfiction Call Number 133.109768 BRO)
- Carton Plantation By: Robert Hicks (Located in Special Collections under TN Military History, for in house use only)
- Hattie’s Carnton: Plantation Life in the Generation of the Civil War By: Helen Hemphill (Located in Special Collections under TN Williamson History, for in house use only)
- Historic Carton Plantation Published by the Carnton Association (Located in Special Collections under TN Williamson History, for in house use only)
Carnton Books in Special Collections
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