In commemoration of the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Franklin held on November 30, the Lotz House will host a Walking Battlefield Tour in the morning and an Illumination Ceremony on the front lawn of the home, ground zero of the Battle of Franklin at 4:30 p.m., the time the battle ensued. In addition, they will celebrate Matilda Lotz’ birthday the day prior to the battle when she turned six years old as well as offer a Walking Battlefield Tour of Spring Hill November 29.

Lotz House Executive Director Thomas Y. Cartwright said, “We have commemorated the anniversary of the Battle Franklin since we opened the Lotz House in 2008. It started with a handful of history enthusiasts working to keep the story alive. The Lotz House invited the public to join us in remembering those who died, those who survived, and how it changed Franklin and beyond forever.”

The public is invited to join in the lighting of a luminary on the front steps of the Lotz House at 4:30 p.m. along with a special tribute by instrumentalist Cody Engdahl and reenactor Bill Radcliff. Guests are invited to bring a small item or note to be included in the time capsule that will be placed on site and opened on the 200th anniversary of the battle.

Thomas Cartwright will lead the Walking Battlefield Tour Saturday, November 30 at 10:30 a.m. The Lotz House will also offer a special Walking Battlefield Tour of Spring Hill led by historian Jamie Gillum on Friday, November 29at noon at Brown and Denning Lane south of Spring Hill to commemorate that historic battle that led to the Battle of Franklin. Gillum wrote Twenty-Five Hours to Tragedy about the battle that was the prelude to the Battle of Franklin which ensued the following day. Reservations for these walking tours are required by calling 615-790-7190. 

Friday, November 29 the Lotz House will offer guests cookies and cider to celebrate what would be Matilda Lotz’s 166th birthday.

For more information, call 615-790-7190 or visit www.lotzhouse.com.