Carnton Ghost

Reader Brianna writes concerning the Carnton Mansion in Franklin:

It has only been in the last few years that I decided that there were ghosts. I don't know why because I have had encounters--15 to 16 not counting the dreams I have had. I always just blew them off. Anyway, below is one of my experiences.

My daughter was on a field trip to Carnton Plantation, an antebellum home that was in the midst of the Battle of Franklin during the Civil War. Anyway, I arrived late and they had already gone into the home so I sat in my car waiting for them to come outside. While I waited I saw a Confederate General dressed in period piece with his jacket unbuttoned standing on the balcony. He had his saber on and his hat. I was too far away to see his face, but he did have a sweeping moustache. I just assumed it was a tour guide that had taken a break. Later when I had caught up with the group I asked my daughter if she had seen the "General". She replied that she hadn't. When we were on the porch I said something about the General to several people that worked there and no one seemed to know anything about him. Some women were dressed in period costumes but most were in street clothes. They said that no one ever goes on the balcony. I didn't think anything about it. Since most were volunteers I assumed they may not know for sure.

About a year later I was reading a book about hauntings in TN and came across a story of a Confederate General that some have seen at Carnton. I realized that I had seen a ghost. Shortly, thereafter, I returned to Carnton and asked the tour guide if anyone dressed in uniforms when they gave tours and he said no...the only time was when they had enactors doing the battle. Then I asked if the home was haunted and was told that was a bunch of crap. That no one that worked there had ever seen a ghost. Well, I did!