Frank Carter: Frank was born into slavery, the child of Jack and Calfurnia, owned by Fountain B. Carter. When freedom came Frank was about nine years old. He struck out on his own when he was about 20, heading to Nashville. While watching Italian circus performers parade through Nashville with a dancing bear, he volunteered when the crowd of spectators was offered a bag of coins if anyone could fight the bear and win. He won that purse of coins, and at least 86 more bear fights in his lifetime, thereby creating opportunity for himself in a world where little opportunity existed for a formerly enslaved man. Frank was a popular character in Nashville. This "gentleman of ebony hue" died in his prime of typhoid-pneumonia. This image of Frank appeared in the Nashville Banner in 1907.

“GENERAL ORDERS, No. 3. -- The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.” These words were read to the people of Galveston, TX by US Gen. Gordon Granger, on June 19, 1865. Although the Civil War had effectively ended two months prior, there were many people in Texas, which was the western border of the former rebellion, that were still trying to hang on. Even when Granger arrived, took command of the military Department of Texas, and delivered the news that “all slaves are free,” many continued to exert control of the formerly enslaved. The 13th Amendment was ratified on December 6, 1865, which legally abolished slavery in the United States. The tradition of celebrating June 19, known as “Juneteenth,” as Emancipation Day, began in Texas in 1866, and has slowly spread across the country, with many advocating now for it be recognized as a national holiday. Fort Granger, erected in Franklin, TN in 1863, is named after General Gordon Granger. Pictured: Juneteenth celebration in 1900 at Eastwoods Park, Austin, TX. Credit: Austin History Center.

We are open and offering tours! Plan your visit here: boft.org/visit (link in bio) #franklintn #carnton #carterhouse #history

When was the last time you visited Carter House or Carnton? We would love to see you again! We offer a variety of tours, including Extended Tours, Battlefield Tours, and Slavery and the Enslaved Tours. All of these options, and a selection of our Classic House Tours, are available to be booked in advance online! Just head to: boft.org/visit (link in bio)

BIG NEWS: A selection of Classic House Tour tickets are available to be purchased online at a discounted rate for the month of June, 2020!! This is the perfect way to plan your trip in advance and ensure your tour time. This deal is available online only. Learn more and purchase tickets here: www.boft.org/visit (link in bio)

We are pleased to announce a new series titled Facebook Live: Conversations premiering this Friday, May 29 at noon (CST) on our Facebook page! This will be an ongoing series where BOFT staff discusses topics related to the stories we tell every day, and responds to your questions in real time. The topic of the first conversation will be “Memorial Day and Confederate Monuments.” Make sure to “Like” the Carnton Facebook page and come back on Friday at noon to watch live! #franklintn #civilwar #facebooklive #history

Memorial Day was originally established as Decoration Day in the years after the Civil War to honor those United States soldiers who gave their lives during that terrible, four year war. Please take a moment today to honor and remember those men and women throughout history who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Pictured: 1917 Decoration Day in New York City, courtesy The Library of Congress.

Over fifty-five years ago, the United States embarked on a challenging project: how to remember the 100th anniversary of the Civil War. The government and public were faced with the decision of how to honor the memory of the men who fought and died in the brutal war without anyone present who witnessed it first-hand. Explore the BOFT collection and learn more about the Civil War Centennial in our newest virtual museum exhibit!! Check it out here: boft.org/virtual-museum (link in bio). #franklintn #civilwar #history #museum

SPECIAL DISCOUNT: We are offering 25% off ALL MERCHANDISE in the gift shop at Carnton and Carter House through the end of May! Stop by for a tour and pick up a book, candle, t-shirt, or hat while you’re here!

It was a beautiful spring day here at Carter House! Stop by for a tour tomorrow!