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Fort Granger has three bastions. The map shows the location of each one.
By definition a bastion is:
a projecting work in a fortification designed to permit fire to the flanks along the face of the wall.
When entering the fort from the parking lot one walks right up to the middle bastion. You will be standing facing the MIddle bastion, looking south.
Armament (i.e., artillery) was placed in the cul de sac of each bastion. There were 30 pounders in Granger.
Each bastion sits roughly 15 feet from the ditch on the outside.
This Google map shows the relative position of Fort Granger in the larger scope of the battlefield (Franklin). Notice the Harpeth River running in front of the fort and the railroad to the west side (running north/south).
The Eastern flank portion of the Franklin battlefield was in the direct spray of artillery from Granger. Thus, Loring’s Division, and more specifically, Featherston’s Brigade, took the worst of the Federal onslaught of artillery from Granger.
Here is a video showing the middle bastion just as you enter the fort.
To order my book on Fort Granger, or to learn more click on http://www.FortGranger.US
Click on the map to go to a zoomable version.
(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.
If you enjoy learning about battles by studying maps then you’re going to really like the new Battle of Franklin animated map created by the CWPT.
The map is developed using Flash technology and is divided into four major sections: (1) Hood invades Tennessee, (2) the Affair at Spring Hill, (3) the Battle of Franklin, and (4) Preservation of the Battlefield.
The Franklin animated map is the sixth map the CWPT has created, including ones on Fredericksburg, Saving Bentonville, First Day at Chancelorsville, Chantilly and Cedar Creek.
CWPT’s Rob Shenk is the creative hand behind these superb web-based resources. Steve Stanley is the cartographer and flash animator. Carnton historian Eric Jacobson consulted with Shenk on the Franklin map.
The Battle of Franklin animated map incorporates these features:
a. Once the play button is clicked, the map auto-forwards through the slide show.
b. Period-authentic and contemporary photos are used.
c. Text-narration (not audio) is provided throughout.
d. Troop movements are simulated through use of forward and retreating lines and markers for brigades.
e. As troop movements are simulated one can also see the time-line advance (at the top). The user can click on a specific time-stamp on the time-line and the map will advance to the point in time of battle.
f. Regiment markers are keyed to the respective name of the Brigade it belongs to.
g. Artillery-piece markers are keyed to the number of pieces in that unit-placement.
h. If land has been preserved by private orgs or the CWPT, lines are drawn to illustrate land saved.
i. Each map is part of a larger section with an abundance of info about that battle (see: Franklin)
Check out The Battle of Franklin animated map .
I interviewed Rob Shenk ay CWPT about their animated maps.
1. How do you select what battlefield to animate?
CWPT’s Directors and I regularly meet to discuss which animated map projects make the most sense going forward. We typically choose map projects based on the following criteria:
A. Is there much natural interest in the battle or subject?
Not only is it important that we put our scarce resources against the larger battles which changed the course of the American Civil War, but those battles also tend to have a larger, pre-existing base of interested fans. We hope that our animated maps not only educate the viewer, but also acquaint a larger audience with who the Civil War Preservation Trust is and what we do.
B. Is there a relevant or interesting preservation angle to the subject?
Most of our animated maps feature battlefields where CWPT or other preservation organizations have saved significant sections of the battlefield. By showing how the fighting coursed over and through these battlefields we can help to increase the public’s awareness of the importance of the land that we seek to save.
C. Do we have access to accurate time-phased maps of the battle?
Creating an accurate animated map requires that you have detailed time-phased information on how the various units fought and moved at the battle. Therefore it’s critical that we locate pre-existing time-phased maps and/or work with battlefield experts who have that knowledge. Unfortunately, not every battle that we would like to tackle has this level of information.
D. Does the battle have an interesting tactical flow to it?
As you might imagine, animated maps tend to be much more exciting when there is much more movement and action. Grand, sweeping tactical movements are much more captivating than static sieges as a for-instance.
2. How long did it take to make the Franklin map(s)?
Longer than we would have hoped! Our Franklin Animated Map project took us roughly 4 months to produce. Sometimes scripting the complex unit movements takes the longest amount of time. In other projects the basic historical research can be the long pole in the tent. Fortunately for this Franklin Animated Map project, Eric Jacobson played an integral role in providing us with detailed troop movements and other historical information. I’m not sure how we could have done this Franklin map without him.
3. How much assistance do you rely on outside of your own resources to create a map?
Outside assistance is almost always a necessity. CWPT, despite being the largest Civil War battlefield preservation organization in the United States , is still very modestly staffed. First and foremost, we rely upon the talents of Steve Stanley, who is our crack CWPT cartographer and battlefield animator. Secondly, we usually require the input and guidance of historians who have a detailed knowledge of the subject battlefield. Throw in some proof reading, web page production, and photo editing and…. Voila!
4. What are 2-3 features of these animated maps that users seem to like the most?
What we tend to hear most from viewers is that they greatly appreciate seeing the precise tactical actions of the various units – to see all the units in action at one time can be very illuminating. Many viewers will tell us that despite having an in-depth book-level understanding of the subject, that their understanding of the battle was greatly improved by watching the animation.
What we are finding is that many of us are truly “visual learners” and when we can see how the battle ebbed and flowed we are more likely to have an improved understanding of that battle. In the past, animation like this was available via the celebrated electric maps, such as the one that inhabited the Gettysburg Visitor Center for many years. Our animated maps strive to be the 21st century version of those great lighted offerings. But unlike those visitor center electric maps, our animated maps can be viewed from anyplace in the world where you have an internet connection. We do know that schools, the military, and various round tables have used our maps as a teaching aid. That kind of news really excites us.
One other feature that I love is the ability to toggle between the topographical map and a modern satellite overhead view. Having a chance to see the battlefield landscape as it exists today can produce a powerful reaction with the preservation-minded viewer. You can see this dichotomy – between the historic battlefield and its modern incarnation – most clearly in our Battle of Chantilly map. After watching the Union attack through the farms and fields of Chantilly , you can then watch that same tactical action as the attacks pour over modern townhouses, parking lots, and highways. In some of our map offerings you can also toggle to an early aerial overhead – an in-between view of the battlefield. Unfortunately we do not have this “Now and Then” type toggle for our Franklin Animated Map, but we intend to add that in soon.
5. How many more maps are slated for launch in 2010 and on what battles?
We are right now discussing a number of potential animated map projects. We would definitely like to do an animated map offering focused on the Seven Days Campaign outside of Richmond , Virginia . We are also looking at other Western Theater battlefields of interest and will likely develop an animation offering focused on some segment of the Gettysburg battlefield in the not too distant future.
I have recently updated the Google Map of the Battle of Franklin (easy reference: www.FranklinBattlefield.com).
If you have learned hot to navigate using the Google Map tools (or are learning) I’m sure you have already found that Google Maps is a hidden treasure. I have spent hours upon hours working on the Google Map of the Battle of Franklin over the past few years. It is always a work in progress and is constantly being upgraded and improved based on feedback I get from readers and the more I learn.
There are many new features and enhancements awaiting the diligent map-student. Click on any object to see what hidden features lie buried underneath. I’ve even added the location marker and info on the unknown soldier’s remains discovered in May.
From the Google Map of the Battle of Franklin you can:
- see how the troops deployed before clashing around the Carter House.
- watch embedded videos from expert historians describing the action from key points on the battlefield.
- see historic pictures of homes and property pertinent to the battle
- read contemporary accounts of soldiers, civilians and the newspapers
- zoom in/out to find out more info on brigades and regiments
- see pictures of actual soldiers who fought and died
- really get a better scope of the battle as you experience an interactive layout of the battlefield
[Another post in a series about the re-burial on October 10th and the connection to Harold Becker (in attendance) whose father served in the 128th Indiana and fought at Franklin 30 November 1864.]
Harold’s father, Charles Conrad Becker, was a member of the 128th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. The 128th served alongside two other Indiana regiments on the far left Union flank at Franklin (Nov 30th, 1864): the 63rd and 120th Indiana. Those three regiments were part of Israel B. Stiles’s brigade.
Stiles’s brigade assumed the furthest position on the far left Union flank that day, buttressing up against the Nashville-Decatur Railroad.
Click on map to see an enlarge map with more scope
As you can see on the map above, the Confederate brigades of Scott and Featherston assaulted the far left Union flank by sweeping across what is currently known as the Eastern flank. Hundreds of Rebel boys were killed on tis part of the field including hundreds from Mississippi and Alabama.
Here’s a Google Earth terrain map showing the position of the 128th at Franklin; click on the map for a larger version.
I have been working on a Google interactive map of the Battle of Franklin. It is still very much a work-in-progress but many users have found it very helpful.
There are lots of maps on the Battle of Franklin.net web site. Click here to see all of them. Print them off for assistance on your visit to the area.
It shows:
- Troops positions and movement
- Contemporary photos of key structures
- Authentic photos of soldiers
- Original written accounts from soldiers and eyewitnesses
It is accessible at www.FranklinBattlefield.com
If you have a basic understanding of how to work with the Google Map software then you’ll find my map easy to use.
One feature of the Google interactive map of the Battle of Franklin [found at: http://www.franklinbattlefield.com] is that we identify the location where key indidviduals were killed or wounded during the action; for example, where Gen Patrick Cleburne was killed near the Carter cotton gin.
We also include some video on some content items. In the example of Cleburne, we have a brief video of historian Eric Jacobson talking about the charge that Cleburne was killed at during the battle.
Another feature of the Google interactive map of the Battle of Franklin [found at: http://www.franklinbattlefield.com] is that we identify broad troop movements and one can see what units and regiments served under various brigade commanders.
We will also be linking specific regiments (e.g., 31st TN) to specific web sites that will help one learn more about that specific regiment.
Another feature of the Google interactive map of the Battle of Franklin [found at: http://www.franklinbattlefield.com] is that we identify specific historic landmarks like buildings or markers one can see when visiting the battlefield.
Many of the items will have historic or period photos or drawings, as well as contemporary photos.
Here’s an example of a historically preserved home that can be viewed on a personal tour of Franklin today.
Boxmere House, 909 West Main, Franklin, TN
Another feature of the Google interactive map of the Battle of Franklin [found at: http://www.franklinbattlefield.com] is that we identify positions of artillery and fortifcations.
Ft. Granger looking south.
This map shows the six key Civil War sites being interpreted in the Franklin area. They are all withiun just minutes of each other by a short drive.
- The Town Square
- Fort Granger
- The Carter House/farm
- The Eastern Flank, Battlefield Park
- Carnton
- Winstead Hill
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