“Civil War Historian Thomas Cartwright Produces 'Battle of Franklin Guide' a Narrative and Driving Tour in Association With Lotz House”
( Franklin , Tenn. )—January 19, 2010--- Thomas Cartwright , one of the nation’s leading authority on the Battle of Franklin, announced today with Lotz House Executive Director J.T. Thompson they have teamed up to produce the “Battle of Franklin Guide,” a narrative and driving tour. Cartwright, well-known internationally for his knowledge and passion for the Civil War and the Battle of Franklin, takes the listener on a virtual tour of the battlefield, while recounting the steps and the stories of the historic battle held on November 30, 1864.
In making the announcement, Thompson said, “Teaming up with Thomas Cartwright is an amazing opportunity for not only Franklin, but for the many Civil War students yearning for the unique experience of actually walking in the steps of the soldiers, hearing the gripping stories and understanding the feelings of the soldiers from the ultimate authority on the Battle of Franklin.”
Thompson added, “Thomas has hosted numerous groups on his walking tour of the Battle of Franklin which originates from the Lotz House. Now that we’ve produced this CD, people who cannot make the trip for a personal experience have the opportunity to hear his historical account of the battle from their car while driving the battlefield, or from their own home – the second best thing to being there in person. This walking tour with Thomas Cartwright complements our goal to educate others on the tragedy that happened here in 1864.”
The one hour CD includes sounds of cannons firing, gunfire, horses running, and other sound effects to put the listener in the battle. Betty Callis of Nashville said, “This is the best driving tour CD I have ever heard! I have never heard one with such an overview as Thomas Cartwright gives. The first CD is a detailed summary by Thomas of the battle, with all the sound effects! It is so
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realistic there should be a warning label, “May be dangerous to your driving due to the flying Minnie balls!
“Thomas Cartwright’s Battle of Franklin Guide” is a 2-CD set and costs $24.99. It can be ordered by calling the Lotz House at 615-790-7190 or by e-mailing jtt@lotzhouse.com.
Cartwright is often seen on the History Channel and quoted in national publications on the topic of the Civil War and the significant role played in the Battle of Franklin.
Cartwright said, "It is a great honor to help in keeping the memory of those brave Americans alive. I am grateful to be allowed to tell the stories of some of the bravest men the world has ever known."
Prior to this entrepreneurial effort, Cartwright was Director of the Carter House from 1997 until 2008. He joined the Carter House in 1989 and was Military Curator and Historian until he was promoted to Director.
Thomas Cartwright frequently appears on various documentaries for the History Channel, A&E, Travel Channel, CNN, Discovery, and Preservation Channel. For many years, he has lectured throughout most of the United States for Civil War Round Tables, corporations, preservation groups and heritage organizations.
Cartwright is a supporter of the Civil War Preservation Trust, and many other local and national organizations. For the last 20 years, he has guided groups throughout most the Western Theater battlefields.
In addition, Cartwright authored several articles and essays published in Tennessee Celebrate South Museum of the Confederacy, A Meteor Shining Brightly Essays on Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne , Black Southerners in Gray, The Encyclopedia of the Irish in America, Civil War Tim es and Around the State A Publication of Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association.
He is c urrently authoring two books: Mascots in the Civil War and Battle of Thompson's Station. Cartwright began visiting battlefields as a young boy, and his interest was encouraged by listening to stories about his great-grandfather, who was in the war, the Civil War Centennial, and many great historians including the late Stanley Horn.
The Lotz House, which has been on the National Historic Register since 1976, is located in the heart of downtown historic Franklin, Tennessee at “epicenter” of the Battle of Franklin which was a pivotal battle in the Civil War on November 30, 1864.
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Guided tours of the Lotz House includes stories of the Lotz family, history on the house which features the battle scars from the battle, and some of the finest antiques of dating from the 1820’s – 1860’s.”
The Lotz House Foundation is a non profit organization which manages the Lotz House activities. Thompson is also currently a member of the Board of Directors of The Carter House and serves on the Task Force for the Mayor of Franklin, Tennessee.
The Lotz House is open Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. or by appointment. Admission charged.
Thomas Cartwright ’s Battlefield Tours are held on Thursdays and Saturdays or by making a reservation at the Lotz House. Fee charged. Guests begin the tour at the Lotz House.
The Lotz House is located at 1111 Columbia Avenue . The telephone number is 615-790-7190 and the website is www.lotzhouse.com. Tennessee Bank & Trust is a proud Founding Patron of the Lotz House.
