The Lotz House Museum, open to the public and in a historic home that stands on the battlefield of Franklin, features the largest and most comprehensive collection of War Between the States and Old West artifacts in the Mid-South.

A perfect companion to the historic Carter House and Carnton Plantation, the Lotz House Museum offers its visitors a chance to see the material culture of the soldiers who fought in the war - North and South. Exhibited on the first floor of the museum are hundreds of artifacts. Many of these are one of a kind and can not be found in any other museum. Almost every aspect of the soldiers life from the pipes they smoked to the uniforms they wore to the photographs of loved ones they carried are represented within our War Between the States exhibition rooms. Flags, weapons, letters, war logs, hats, canteens, swords, and many other artifacts are to be seen on exhibit.

The exhibit area dedicated to the Old West and Native Americans boast many artifacts related to that chapter of our country's history. Memorabilia from our frontier days, not to be seen anywhere else in the Mid-South, bring those days alive for our visitors. Headdresses, photographs, a battle shirt with 32 scalps, pottery, autographs, and much more like the Tombstone, Arizona business license for "Ill Fame" carried by Nellie Pottsum (Ike Clanton's girlfriend) are all to be seen by our visitors.

The second floor of our historic house is used to interpret the lives of the people who once lived within its walls. One room is decorated to give the impression of a turn of the century Confederate veteran's bedroom with it's memorabilia and regimental flag tacked to the wall. Across the hall visitors will look into a parlor from the 1860's. There can be seen a complete and pristine set of parlor furniture, a dress worn by Mrs. Mary Forrest (wife of Gen. N.B. Forrest), as well as the silver tea service owned by Gen. and Mrs. Forrest. Also exhibited on the second floor of the museum are the Forrest Family Bibles. Three generations of Bibles owned by the Forrest Family, starting with that carried by Mrs. N.B. Forrest, are prominently exhibited with other artifacts from the famous cavalry commanders family.

While visiting the Lotz House Museum our visitors will be guided through the historic house built in 1858 by Johann Albert Lotz. An immigrant from Germany, Mr. Lotz set about to build this home with his own hands. The house was completed in 1858 after three years of construction.  During the building of his home Mr. Lotz added the personal touch of his wood working skills to the interior and exterior of the home. Many detailed wood carvings are still seen inside and out of this home.