The Civil War in Tennessee

Tennessee is rich in sites, buildings, landscapes, and documented sources that tell the stories of the American Civil War. Tennessee's geographic location, along with strategic river and rail routes, productive farmlands, and industrial sites, made the state a crucial prize fought for by both armies. Every county in Tennessee was affected by the destruction of the land, loss of life, bitter divisions within families and communities, and political and social turmoil of the war years and the following decades.

Intertwined with these military and political struggles are the stories of the homefront, occupation, and Reconstruction. Whether you are a researcher, educator, tourist, or citizen interested in learning more about Tennessee's Civil War and Reconstruction heritage, you will find here valuable resources on important sites and organizations, as well as sources for additional research.