Tales from Tennessee and Beyond: The Battle of Franklin

The Battle of Franklin took place on November 30, 1864 in Franklin, Tennessee. The battle was part of the Franklin-Nashville Campaign. The two main generals were John Bell Hood for the Confederacy, and John M. Schofield. This battle is often called the Pickett's Charge of the west. The Confederates had been fighting down in Florence, Alabama. The Union army had been in Nashville. Hood's goal in this battle was to defeat the Union army and take Nashville back for the Confederacy. Along the way Hood and his army engaged in many skirmishes. These skirmishes took place in Columbia, Tennessee. This got the attention of Schofield and the Union officials. The Union armies' plan was to march down from Nashville and set up a defensive position at the Carter House. Troops were also stationed at the Carnton Plantation. The Carnton Mansion served as a hospital for the soldiers. When Hood got to Franklin he ordered an all out frontal assault. His goal was to destroy Schofield and the Union army. The Union army was able to bust through the Confederate center however. The Confederate army had a difficult time breaking through the Union lines. Hood then ordered an all out charge on the Union center. The Confederate army charged across the Carter farm right into Union fire. The Army of Tennessee was destroyed in this attack, and Hood was forced to retreat. Nathan Bedford Forrest meanwhile was leading his cavalry in an assault at the Brentwood Turnpike. He was turned back by James H. Wilson. This battle was a blow to any hope that the Confederates had of winning the Civil War.