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Here are some stats on attendance in Civil War related national parks and battlefields in Tennessee and in the Southeast Region for 2008. Source: http://www.nature.nps.gov/stats/
Tennessee - 1.75 million tourists visited TN related Civil War parks and battlefields in 2008.
Stone’s River 198,918
up slightly
Shiloh 357,340
down slightly
Ft Donelson 206,362
Chickamauga-Chattanooga 993,535
Franklin is NOT a national park of battlefield
Georgia
Kennesaw Mtn NBP 1,415,917
Chickamauga-Chattanooga 993,535
Andersonville 159,592
Carnton Plantation
FRANKLIN — The story of the Battle of Franklin is bringing historian Jennifer Esler here to lead the city’s two main museums.
The story and love, that is.
Esler, 53, has been named the first chief executive officer of the Battle of Franklin Trust, the organization that oversees the Carter House and Carnton Plantation.
She will start work in Franklin on March 1.
Read the full story in the Tennessean
This Sixth Plate Ruby Ambrotype is of Pvt. Thomas H. Chandlier, 48th Tennessee Infantry (CSA). It was recently sold at auction by HA. Chandlier’s unit missed the action at Franklin but he was captured at Nashville on December 15th, 1864.
TENNESSEE.
______
A Severe Battle at Franklin, Tenn.
________
HOOD DEFEATED BY THOMAS.
________
The Rebels Desperately Assault Our Works.
________
They are Repulsed with Fearful Carnage.
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Six Thousand Rebels Killed and Wounded.
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TWELVE HUNDRED PRISONERS CAPTURED
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Our Loss Less Than One Thousand.
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MAGNIFICENT BEHAVIOR OF OUR TROOPS
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Full and Graphic Account from Our Special Correspondent.
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OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT.
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Washington, Thursday, Dec.1.
The following official dispatch concerning the report of the victory in Tennessee, has been received at headquarters:
FRANKLIN, Tenn., Wednesday, Nov.30.
Major-Gen. Thomas:
The enemy made a heavy and persistent attack with two corps, commencing at 4 P.M., and lasting till after dark. He was repulsed at all points with heavy loss — probably of five or six thousand men. Our loss is probably not more than one-fourth of that number. We have captured about one thousand prisoners, including one Brigadier-General.
(Signed,) JOHN SCHOFIELD
Major-General.
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OUR SPECIAL ACCOUNT.
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Special Dispatch to the New-York Times.
FOUR MILES SOUTH OF NASHVILLE.
Thursday, Dec.1.
Gen. SCHOFIELD yesterday fought one of the prettiest fights of the war, resulting most disastrously to the rebels, with little loss to ourselves. After three days’ skirmishing, the rebels crowded our first line of works yesterday afternoon, and at 4 P.M. made a most desperate attack on our right and centre, forcing our lines to our breastworks, which were thrown up from river to river in an open field on the Cumberland Pike, which ran through the centre of the field.
At least half the rebel force engaged endeavored to pierce our centre, and come down viciously on WAGNER’S Division, which, after desperate fighting, fell back, and MANY’S rebel division, of FRANK CHEATAM’S corps, got inside our works and captured two guns. Our centre was not broken, however, and, better still, Gen. WAGNER successfully rallied our troops, who charged on the enemy, recaptured the two guns, and drove the division over the breastworks, capturing one entire brigade and its commander.
At 4:30 o’clock the battle was waged with unabating vigor, the enemy having made during a half hour several attempts to break our centre.
The Federal position was a magnificent one, and the result of these four days’ work were magnificently grand.
All this while the rebels had appeared in front of our right. The plan was to pierce our centre and crush our right wing before dark. A portion of our infantry were engaged three-quarters of an hour firing on the rebel columns who stood their ground like madmen. During the every charge made on our right and centre, volleys of grape and canister were hurled into their lines, and only darkness prevented their sacrifice being more awful. It is said that no canister shot was used by the rebels during the day, but fired shot and shell.
After the first break of WAGNER’S division and its recovery, our line never budged a step. All was quiet after 10 P.M. It was not only one of the prettiest but cleanest battles of the war. The excessive slaughter of the enemy was owing to our wholesale use of canister and grape, and our selection of ground. The battle was fought in an open field, with no trees or undergrowth, or other interruption. The enemy’s loss in killed and wounded approximates 7,000, and we have over 1,200 prisoners, and one general officer and several field officers. The Colonel of the Fifteenth Mississippi, a Northern man, of Illinois, was wounded and taken prisoner. Four-fifths of his regiment were killed, wounded or captured. Our loss does not reach a thousand, hors du cambat. Gen. Bradley, of Illinois, while gallantly leading his troops, was severely wounded in the shoulder. Our loss in field officers is very small. Our troops behaved handsomely. SCHOFIELD commanded on the field, STANLEY on the right, and Cox on the left. Gen. Stanley was wounded slightly in the neck, but remained on the field and is all right to-day.
I have told you all along the programme of Gen. Thomas would electrify you, and this is but the epilogue of the battle to come off.
After our dead, wounded and prisoners were cared for, our army fell back to this point, and are in line of battle while I write. Up to this time, 3 P.M., the enemy has not made his appearance. The Third Corps of Veterans are in readiness, and a battle is expected before daylight to-morrow. All Government work is suspended, and all are under arms, from Gen. DONALDSON down to the unscientific laborers.
The falling back of our troops was accomplished at 8 o’clock this morning, and bridges burned across Harpeth River to retard the transportation of rebel supplies. The cavalry was handled prettily by Gen. WILSON, between Spring Hill and Triune.
A.J. SMITH’s corps is in line of battle, and the situation is particularly grand. Forts Negley, Morton, Cairo and Houston are alive, and the infantry movement perfectly satisfactory. Something must immediately transpire, as Gen. THOMAS is ready to strike no matter how the rebels move.
BENJ. C. TRUMAN
(Telegram.)
NASHVILLE, November 30, 1864.
MAJOR-GENERAL SCHOFIELD, Franklin:
Your telegram is just received. It is glorious news, and I congratulate you and the brave men of your command. But you must look out that the enemy does not still persist. The courier you sent to General Cooper at Widow Dean’s could not reach there, and reports that he was chased by rebel cavalry on the whole route, and finally came into this place. Major-General Steedman, with five thousand men, should be here in the morning. When he arrives, I will start General A. J. Smith’s command and General Steedman’s troops to your assistance at Brentwood.
(Signed)
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General U. S. Vols., Comd’g.
(Telegram.)
FRANKLIN. November 30th–7.10 P.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS, Nashville:
The enemy made a heavy and persistent attack with about two corps, commencing at 4 P.M. and lasting until after dark. He was repulsed at all points, with very heavy loss–probably 5,000 or 6,000 men. Our loss is not probably more than one-fourth that number. We have captured about 1,000 prisoners, including one brigadier-general. Your despatch of this P.M. is received. I had already given the orders you direct, and am now executing them.
(Signed)
J.M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.
(Telegram.)
NASHVILLE, November 30, 1864.
MAJOR-GENERAL SCHOFIELD, Franklin:
Your despatch of 3 P.M. is received. Send back your trains to this place at once, and hold your troops in readiness to march to Brentwood, and thence to this place as soon as your trains are fairly on the way, so disposing your force as to cover the wagon train. Have all R. R. trains sent back immediately. Notify General Wilson of my instructions. He will govern himself accordingly. Relieve all garrisons in blockhouses, and send back by railroad trains last over the road. Acknowledge receipt.
(Signed)
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General U. S. Vols., Comd’g.
—–
(Telegram.)
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
FRANKLIN, TENN., November 30, 1864.
MAJOR-GENERAL GEO. H. THOMAS, Nashville, Tenn.:
GENERAL–Please send A. J. Smith’s division to Brentwood early to-morrow morning. Also please send to Brentwood to-morrow morning one million rounds of infantry ammunition, 2,000 rounds three-inch and 1000 rounds light twelve artillery.
(Signed)
J.M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.
(Telegram.)
NASHVILLE, November 30, 1864.
MAJOR GENERAL SCHOFIELD, Franklin:
General Smith reported to me this morning that one division of his troops is still behind. We must therefore try to hold Hood where he now is until these troops can get up and the steamers return. After that we will concentrate here, reorganize our cavalry, and try Hood again. Do you think you can hold Hood at Franklin for three days longer? Answer, giving your views; and I should like to know what Wilson thinks he can do to aid you in holding Hood.
(Signed)
GEO. H. THOMAS.
Major-General U. S. Vols., Comd’g.
(Telegram.)
FRANKLIN, November 30, 1864–12 M.
MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS, Nashville:
Your despatch of 10.25 A.M. is received. I am satisfied that I have heretofore run too much risk in trying to hold Hood in check, while so far inferior to him in both infantry and cavalry. The slightest mistake on my part, or failure of a subordinate, during the last three days, might have proved disastrous. I don’t want to get into so tight a place again. Yet I will cheerfully act in accordance with your views of expediency, if you think it important to hold Hood back as long as possible. When you get all your troops together, and the cavalry in effective condition, we can whip Hood easily, and, I believe, make the campaign a decisive one. Before that, the most we can do is to husband our strength and increase it as much as possible. I fear the troops which were stationed on the river below Columbia will be lost. I will get my trains out of the way as soon as possible, and watch Hood carefully. Possibly I may be able to hold him here, but do not expect to be able to do so long.
(Signed)
J.M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.
(Telegram.)
NASHVILLE, November 30, 1864.
MAJOR-GENERAL SCHOFIELD, Franklin:
Your despatches of 5.30, 5.50, and Wilson’s despatch, forwarded to yon, have been received. It will take Smith quite all day to disembark, but if I find there is no immediate necessity to retain him here, will send him to Franklin or Brentwood, according to circumstances. If you can prevent Hood from turning your position at Franklin, it should be held; but I do not wish you to risk too much. I send you a map of the environs of Franklin.
(Signed)
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General U. S. Vols., Comd’g.
(Telegram.)
FRANKLIN, November 30, 1864–9.50 A.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS, Nashville:
My trains are coming in all right. Half the troops are here, and the other half about five miles out, coming on in good order, with light skirmishing. I will have all across the river this evening. Wilson is here, and his cavalry on my flank I do not know where Forrest is. He may have gone east, but no doubt will strike our flank and rear again soon. Wilson is entirely unable to cope with him. Of course, I cannot prevent Hood from crossing the Harpeth whenever he may attempt it. Do you desire me to hold on here until compelled to fall back
(Signed)
J.M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.
(Telegram.)
FRANKLIN, November 30, 1864–5.30 A.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS, Nashville:
I hope to get my troops and material safely across the Harpeth this morning. We have suffered no material loss so far. I shall try to get Wilson on my flank this morning. Forrest was all around us yesterday, but we brushed him away during the evening, and came through. Hood attacked in front and flank, but did not hurt us.
(Signed)
J.M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.
Today’s Tennssean ran two articles related to relic hunting for Civil War artifacts. They are worth reading.
- County’s hallowed ground becomes swallowed ground, Nov 29th, 2009.
- Archaeologists, relic hunters don’t see eye-to-eye, Nov 29th, 2009
I side more with supporting archaeological discovery of relics and artifacts as opposed to relic hunting through metal detecting. Archaeological discovery should be supported by the State, County or Town in an official capacity, not limited to public funding within reason, especially if the ground being explored is owned by the State or City.
If people want to relic hunt on private property then I think that is fine, so long as permission is granted by the owners. I think it is wrong of relic hunters who sneak on private or State property – without permission – and look for artifacts.
If human bones or remains are found – on private or public grounds – the City or State officials should be contacted so that proper care, recovery and commemoration can be afforded the person. I’d also encourage relic hunters on private property to volunteer to work closely with State archaeological officials so that the community can learn the most possible from important finds.
Important knowledge about the Civil War- and battles – can be gained from official archaeological projects. For example, when the H.L. Hunley submarine was discovered in 2000 in Charleston Harbor, it was a professionally sponsored archaeological project. One of the most important finds – one that might have been neglected by private relic hunters – was the exact location of the human remains inside the submarine.
The eight crewmen’s remains were in the exact position they had while working at their station as death took place. This allowed scientists to better understand what happened on that ill-faited cruise in February 1864. Had several of the crew members’ bones been piled in one spot – under the hatch – it would have been evidence that the crew fought for air in the last few seconds as they clamored to escape the chamber of death.
Because so much personal relic hunting for Civil War artifacts takes place outside public scrutiny, we will never know what important facts are lost forever about how a battle was won-lost, the nature of casualties, the original lay of the topography, etc.
Private relic hunters are interested in private benefits, whether they be financial or for personal ego. Publicly-sponsored archaeological projects insure the entire community will benefit from the knowledge we can gain from uncovering priceless Civil War artifacts that have remained hidden for over 140+ years. They might rarely be priceless in terms of monetary value, but they are priceless in terms of what we can better understand why and what happened on these hallowed grounds.
Where do you stand? Relic hunting or archaeology?
(Telegram.)
FRANKLIN PIKE, TENN., November 29, 1864–1 P.M.
MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS, Nashville:
Please have pontoons put down at Franklin at once.
(Signed)
J.M. SCHOFIELD,
Major-General.
I launched the Battle of Franklin Facebook group – www.FranklinMatters.com – in mid-October. Honestly, I thought if I got a couple hundred “fans” by January 1st we’d be doing well. We are coming upon our 1,000th registered fan for the Facebook group.
How does that compare to other Civil War battle Facebook groups? Incredibly, no other battle, including Gettysburg, even has 50 fans. In fact, the Battle of Franklin Facebook group is in the top five of ALL Civil War related Facebook groups period.
I integrate content from my Battle of Franklin blog into the Facebook group. Come join the fun at – www.FranklinMatters.com.
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