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National Register of Historic Places listings in Williamson County, Tennessee facts for kids

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Map of Tennessee highlighting Williamson County
Location of Williamson County in Tennessee

Welcome to Williamson County, Tennessee! This area is full of amazing places that are part of history. These special spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a national scrapbook of important buildings, sites, and districts that tell stories about America's past.

In Williamson County, there are 134 places on this list. Two of them are even more special and are called National Historic Landmarks, which means they are super important to the whole country's history! Some other places were once on the list but have since been removed. Let's explore some of these cool historic sites!

Historic Places in Williamson County

Franklin Battlefield: A Civil War Story

Winstead Hill Franklin TN
Winstead Hill, part of the Franklin Battlefield

One of the most important places here is the Franklin Battlefield. This was the site of a huge battle during the American Civil War. Imagine soldiers fighting right where you stand! It's a place where you can learn a lot about what happened during that time.

Carnton: A Battlefield Hospital

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Carnton, a historic home used as a hospital during the Battle of Franklin

Close to the battlefield is a historic house called Carnton. During the Battle of Franklin, this house became a hospital for wounded soldiers. It's a powerful reminder of the human side of war and the care given to those who fought.

Fort Granger: A Union Stronghold

FT. GRANGER
Fort Granger, a Civil War fort in Franklin

Another important Civil War site is Fort Granger. This fort was built by Union soldiers to protect the area. You can still see where the fort stood and imagine what it was like to be there during the war.

Ancient History: Archaeological Sites

Williamson County also holds secrets from much, much older times!

Coats-Hines Site: Mastodon Hunters

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An ancient mastodon tooth found at the Coats-Hines Site

The Coats-Hines Site is a really cool archaeological spot. It's one of the few places in eastern North America where scientists have found direct proof that ancient people, called Paleo-Indians, hunted huge animals like mastodons a very long time ago, during the late Pleistocene Ice Age! Imagine hunting a giant furry elephant!

Fewkes Group Archaeological Site: Ancient Villages

Fewkes Mounds
The Fewkes Mounds, part of an ancient village site

The Fewkes Group Archaeological Site is another amazing place. It's a 15-acre site with remains of an ancient village and mounds built by the Mississippian culture. These people lived here between about 1050 and 1475 AD. It's like looking back at a very old town!

Old Town Archeological Site: A River Community

Old Town Archeological Site
The Old Town Archeological Site along the Harpeth River

The Old Town Archeological Site is also a Native American village and mound complex from the Mississippian culture. It's located by the Harpeth River and shows us how these communities lived and built their homes long ago.

Historic Buildings and Districts

Many old buildings and neighborhoods in Williamson County are also protected.

Franklin Historic District: A Walk Through Time

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Main Street in the Franklin Historic District

The Franklin Historic District is a large area in downtown Franklin. It includes many beautiful old buildings, especially around Main Street. Walking through this district feels like stepping back in time, with architecture from different periods.

Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 7: An Old Meeting Place

Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 7
Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 7 in Franklin

The Hiram Masonic Lodge No. 7 is a very old building in Franklin. It's important because it's the oldest Masonic lodge in Tennessee. It has been a meeting place for many years.

Leipers Fork Historic District: A Charming Village

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Hillsboro United Methodist Church in Leipers Fork

The village of Leiper's Fork has its own historic district. It's known for its charming, old-fashioned feel, with historic buildings that show what a small Tennessee village looked like in the past.

WSM Radio Transmission Complex: Broadcasting History

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The WSM radio tower in Brentwood

The WSM Radio Transmission Complex in Brentwood is a cool example of more recent history. This is where the famous WSM radio station, known for broadcasting the Grand Ole Opry, has its transmission tower. It's a piece of broadcasting history!

Harlinsdale Farm: A Horse Haven

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Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin

Harlinsdale Farm is a historic farm known for its connection to horses. It's a beautiful example of a working farm that has kept its historic look and feel.

Other Interesting Places

Many other individual houses and sites are also listed, each with its own unique story.

  • The William Allison House in College Grove is a historic Federal-style house.
  • The Bank of College Grove and the Bank of Nolensville are old bank buildings that show how towns grew.
  • The Bostick Female Academy was an important school for girls in College Grove.
  • The Lotz House in Franklin is another home that played a role during the Civil War.
  • Ravenswood in Brentwood is a beautiful historic home with a long history.
  • The Old Natchez Trace is a very old trail that was used by Native Americans, explorers, and settlers. Parts of this historic path run through Williamson County.

These are just a few of the many amazing places in Williamson County that are protected because of their historical importance. They help us remember and learn about the past!

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