Explore the Civil War Sites of Maury County, Tennessee A Self-Guided Driving Tour Through History

Step back in time and discover the rich Civil War history woven into the hills and streets of Maury County, Tennessee. This self-guided driving tour takes you through a diverse collection of battlefields, antebellum homes, historic churches, and solemn cemeteries—each with its own story to tell about a community shaped by conflict, resilience, and legacy.

Your journey begins at the Spring Hill Battlefield, where a pivotal prelude to the Battle of Franklin unfolded. Nearby, stately homes like Rippa Villa, Ferguson Hall, and Oaklawn offer insight into life during the war and the families whose stories were forever changed by it. At McKissack House, White Hall, and Ewell Farm, visitors can imagine the daily challenges faced by both civilians and soldiers.

Make your way to Elm Springs, headquarters of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and The Athenaeum, once a progressive girls’ school with ties to the Southern elite. Sites like Davis Ford and Neeley’s Mill remind us of the critical role geography played in wartime strategy and movement. Throughout Columbia and Mount Pleasant, monuments and cemeteries like Greenwood, Caldwell, Rose Hill, and the Sam Watkins Confederate Monument serve as quiet witnesses to sacrifice and memory. The Sam Davis Historical Marker and Nelson House Hotel also preserve the voices of notable figures and the events they endured.

You’ll also explore spiritual and architectural landmarks such as St. John’s Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, and the grand Clifton Place and Hamilton Place plantations. Don’t miss Rattle and Snap, one of the most architecturally significant Greek Revival homes in the South. To round out your experience, visit the President James K. Polk Ancestral Home, where the nation’s 11th president began his journey— and conclude your tour at the Mt. Pleasant/Maury Museum of Local History, where Civil War artifacts bring personal stories to life.

Before you begin your drive, stop by the Maury County Visitors Center for a free tour brochure, maps, and insider tips to enrich your experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a casual traveler, or someone seeking a deeper connection to the past, this driving tour invites you to reflect, remember, and rediscover the powerful history that helped shape Maury County.