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The Second Battle of Franklin (1)
The Second Battle of Franklin occurred in Franklin, Tennessee on November 30th, 1864. While this battle only lasted one day, the Second Battle of Franklin is nicknamed colloquially "bloodiest 15 minutes of the Civil War." The battle between Union General Schofield and Confederate General Hood occurred after the end of the Battle of Columbia where the Union army retreated to Franklin. Explore this exhibit to learn the events that made this one-day battle so significant! -
Narrative of the Battle of Franklin (3)
"Narrative of the Battle of Franklin" Captain W. S. Jennings of Tennessee's 3rd Regiment recounts his experience during the Battle of Franklin. Jennings notes the brutality and the Confederacy's advance along Columbia Pike as the Union army fired down on their men. Jennings, for example, writes "A Confederate officer was found lying from 2 to 7 deep." Jennings also notes that six Confederate generals were wounded and particularly notes General Adams' bravery and sacrifice. -
End of the Battle of Franklin (4)
"Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, November 30, 1864 (2 - evening)" This map, also by Matthew Forney Steel, depicts the Union and Confederate front lines on the evening of the Battle. As is shown, General Hood leads the Confederate army north along Columbia Pike towards the Union front lines on the southern edge of downtown Franklin. This risky tactic resulted in many casualties of both the Union and Confederate armies. -
Beginning of the Battle of Franklin (2)
"Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, November 30, 1864 (1 - morning)" This map made by Matthew Forney Steel shows where the Union and Confederate front lines were on the morning of November 30th, 1864, the beginning of the battle. Union troops are assembled around the Southern edge of downtown Franklin, while Confederate troops were assembled along Columbia Pike south of the Union troops. This was shortly before Confederate General Hood decided to storm the town, putting his army in grave danger. -
50th Anniversary of the Battle of Franklin (5)
"Newspaper clipping on Battle of Franklin reunion" Fifty years after the Battle of Franklin, a group of soldiers had a reunion to remember the battle in which they survived. The soldiers in the article, nicknamed the "Blue and Grey," reflect on their shared experiences during the Battle of Franklin as well as other battles such as Gettysburg. Together, they criticize the Confederacy's military strategy in Franklin that resulted in so many reckless, unnecessary deaths. -
Works Cited (cont.)
Narrative of the Battle of Franklin. 1923. Retrieved from the Digital Public Library of America, http://cdm15138.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15138coll6/id/2232. (Accessed April 1, 2023.) Newspaper clipping on Battle of Franklin reunion. 1914-12-01. Retrieved from the Digital Public Library of America, http://cdm15138.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15138coll6/id/2533. (Accessed April 1, 2023.) -
Works Cited
Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, November 30, 1864 (1 - morning). 1909. Retrieved from the Digital Public Library of America, http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/maps/id/865. (Accessed April 1, 2023.) Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, November 30, 1864 (2 - evening). 1864-11-30. Retrieved from the Digital Public Library of America, http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/quiner/id/27552. (Accessed April 1, 2023.) -
Conclusion (6)
The Battle of Franklin was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. During General Hood's advance on downtown Franklin, the Union army fired down on the approaching Confederate soldiers. While this was technically a victory for the Union, both sides suffered many casualties. It is important to remember this battle as Tennesseans, as it otherwise could vanish. By remembering it, we can honor the lives lost and critically evaluate our state's history so we can learn and grow from it.