Lotz House

The home of Johann Albert and Margaretha Lotz and the site of The Battle of Franklin, Built in 1858. The house, which has been on the National Historic Register since 1976 is located in the heart of downtown historic Franklin, Tennessee at “ground zero” of the Battle of Franklin which was a pivotal battle in the American Civil War. On the night of November 29, 1864 approximately 25,000 Northern soldiers retreated from Spring Hill, Tennessee into Franklin, Tennessee.

In 1855, German immigrant Johann Albert Lotz, purchased 5 acres of land from Fountain Branch Carter. Lotz, a classically trained master woodworker from Saxony, completed his home three years later. By trade, Mr. Lotz was a master carpenter and a piano maker. He also repaired guitars and violins. His home, served as his “show house” to demonstrate his carpentry work to potential clients interested in hiring him for his services.

The three fireplace mantles demonstrated his range from simple to very complex designs, all of them are carved from different kinds of wood. In addition, the home has an impressive free floating, black walnut wrap around hand rail and cantilevered staircase. To accomplish this engineering feat in the mid 19th century is truly remarkable. What’s more, the newel post at the bottom of the staircase is actually an inverted leg of one Mr. Lotz pianos. The outside of the home indeed is a testament to Mr. Lotz talent. All the hand carved acorn finials; millwork and cartouches were constructed by Lotz.