This was the summer of the Civil War.  We visited quite a few Civil War sites.  The Lotz House (here’s the official museum link and  here’s the Wikipedia link) is in Franklin, Tennessee about 20 miles south of Nashville.  It was one of the homes at the front line of the Battle of Franklin (here’s a Wikipedia link).

This location had special meaning for us – John’s 3x great-uncle fought in this battle for the Union forces (Indiana Calvary), was captured, and taken to Andersonville (Fort Sumter), GA.  Andersonville will be a separate post.  We have an original letter written by Nathan to his mother, John’s 3x great-grandmother.

Our tour guide told the amazing story of this family as we passed from room to room about Johann Lotz, his wife, and his children, most notably his daughter Matilda Lotz.

We can’t imagine what this family went through during this battle.  To take refuge in a neighbor’s cellar for about 20 hours, not knowing what is happening outside, yet hearing it all.  The sounds of soldiers fighting and dying must have been horrendous.  No wonder Matilda made peaceful animal scenes.

The woodwork by Johann in this house is amazing!  He was truly a master woodworker!  His artistic ability is evident throughout the house.  Upon entry, the staircase handrail catches your eye.  It’s BEAUTIFUL!!   Pictures were not allowed to be taken while we were in the house but many can be found on the museum web site and elsewhere on the internet.

If you decide to take this tour, you have to also do the Carter House across the street to finish the story.

The videos below were published by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and are a good representation of the house and information presented during the tour.  I found these on Youtube.com

These videos may look alike here but they are definitely parts 1 and 2.

Part 1 – Lotz House

Part 2 – Lotz House