Dead men tell no tales, but their tombstones do. Once a year on the last Saturday of October, Franklin's Rest Haven and City Cemeteries come alive as costumed reenactors portray some of the most interesting (and often tragic) souls that rest there.

Next Tour: October 28, 2012 7:00-9:00 pm

You'll meet father and son Fountain Branch and Capt. Tod Carter, whose home found itself at the epicenter of the Battle of Franklin. You'll be introduced to the little-known but still fascinating two Georges, Grummond and Cuppett, who fought on opposite sides of the War, and are remembered for different reasons. Franklin wartime mayor John McEwen will speak of his experience during the War as will the daughter of Dr. John Park, a well-respected physician who was nearly forced from town.

Brave teenager Fannie Courtney, a Union sympathizer who tended to the Union wounded at First Presbyterian Church will tell her story. You won't believe the rest of it!

Not all the stories are Civil War-related.

You won’t want to miss the grave of Anarchy Cowles, a freed slave, or the marker of the two infant Marr sisters, whose short, tragic lives are commemorated by a broken shaft.

You'll hear about Franklin’s founder Ewen Cameron, as well as one of the original Tennessee volunteers Dr. Daniel McPhail and his nephew Dr. Daniel Cliffe.

You'll visit the memorial for the Unknown Civil War soldier whose remains were uncovered at a Franklin construction site in May, 2009 and re-interred at Rest Haven on October 10, 2009.

$15 for ages 14+; $5 for children 7-13.  Tickets are available for purchase here, at www.historicfranklin.com, at the Heritage Foundation office behind the post office at Five Points, or at the gate. Bring a flashlight for each member of your party and wear flat, closed-toe shoes.

Guided tours of the cemetery are available the rest of the year by calling 615-400-3808.