520 Folly Road, Suite 25 PMB 379, Charleston, SC
Jack W. Melton Jr. C. Peter Publisher Foundin Editor: Lawrence E. Babits, Ph.D. Advertising, Marketing & Assistant Editor: Peggy Columnists: John Banks, Craig Barry, Joseph Bilby Borowick, Stephen Davis, Stephanie Hagiwara, Goul Tim Prince, Salvatore Cilella, John Sexton, Micha Editorial & Photography Staff: Greg Biggs, Joseph Sandy Goss, Gordon L. Jones, Michael Kent, John A Ruegsegger, Gregory L. Wade, Joan Wenner, J.D. Book Review Editor: Stephen Davis, Ph.D., Cumming
29412. Monthly. Business and Editorial Offices: 5 25 PMB 379, Charleston, SC 29412, Accounting and
Periodicals postage paid at U.S.P.S. 131 W. High
520 Folly Road Suite 25 PMB 379 Charleston, SC 29412 Display advertising rates and media kit on reques
The Civil War News is for your reading enjoyment. opinions expressed herein are those of its author advertisers and they do not necessarily reflect t
Civil War News cannot assure that unsolicited boo be assigned for review. We donate unsolicited, un books to libraries, historical societies and othe
positories. Email Dr. Davis for eligibility befor
We always look forward to the warm Summer weather and the many historic places to visit and shows to attend. On the weekend of May 4th and 5th, we will be attending the Ohio Civil War & Artillery Show in Mansfield. Then on June 29th and 30th, we will be attending the Gettysburg Preservation Association Civil War Artifact and Collectibles Show. Historical Publications,
these shows. If you will be there too, please come by and introduce yourself. We love to put fac-
and get your feedback as well. The highly anticipated annual July Gettysburg issue plans are
in the making and we are looking forward, to our annual trip in June with great excitement. As usual, we will be sending the Gettysburg section to shops,
restaurants, hotels, B&B’s, the GBPA Civil War Show and Sale
Committee’s reenactment for free distribution to visitors and spectators. We print 10,000 additional copies of this section, so if you are interested in marketing
your product or event, please go to our website for information, or
1862. We are happy to help you with your advertising needs.
Vol. 42, No. 3 Battlefield Of Franklin Land Pres By GreGory L. Wade
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — What is considered the bloodiest acreage the Nov. 30, 1864, Battle of Fran is now being reclaimed as part of evolving Carter Hill Battlefield Local preservation leaders recent
from owners Reid and Brenda Lovell after a months-long proces of coordinating various funding
sources for the critical 1.6 acre adjoin the Carter House, a major battle landmark. Details were recently provided a press conference led by Frankli Charge board member Julian Bibb, who praised the “remarkable transition” of the Franklin battlefie Franklin’s Charge is a coalition
civic and preservation groups who joined together more than ten yea ago to purchase local battlegroun Over 150 years ago the Army of Tennessee stepped off in a series of charges to be virtually destro by Federals under John Schofield hopes of taking Franklin and late Nashville. At that time, most of the terr was open farmland on the outskirt of what was once a small Middle
Tennessee farming community. Over time development covered much of the battlefield with houses, ligh dustry, and small businesses. All that remained of the criti area where the Confederates temporarily broke the Federal line w the small farmhouse and a few acr known as the Carter House farm. The 1.6 acres purchased, which adjoin the southern boundary of t Carter House property, is compris of two lots. Today, they are occu
of Franklin Parks Department by Franklin’s Charge and the Battle o Franklin’s Trust (BOFT), managers of the Carter House the nearby Car ton Plantation. The structures wil removed in coming months, possibly relocated for other use.
The purchase is only the latest in a long and arduous effort to re build the Franklin battlefield.
“It had to be a miracle,” quipp Civil War Trust (CWT) President James Lighthizer, referring to the most recent acquisition. Local res ident Michael Grainger, long time Trust board member and former chairman, said, “Local leadership has been incredible and will conti ue to be a partner [with the CWT].
In 2005, after years of frustra attempting to preserve Franklin ba tleground, local preservationists cided it would have to be done the hard way, by buying properties, of ten with buildings on them. The largest parcel of land was originally a local golf course sla to be sold to a developer to build houses on what was the right flank of the Confederate attack north to ward the Federal lines just south
the town. It was then that Franklin’s Cha came into existence. Funds have
chase from private donors, the CWT the City of Franklin and others. T 110-acre segment, now fully interpreted and known as the Eastern Flank Battlefield, is what got the preservation ball rolling in Frank Since that time nine other parc in proximity to the Carter House have been purchased and have been, or will be, turned over to the Fra
at the Lovell purchase regory L. Wade photos)
lin Parks Department, according t Bibb. But it was the land just south Carter House, long considered the most bloodied ground in Franklin, and some say in America, that was the most coveted. BOFT Chief Executive Officer Eric Jacobson noted, “to not have this ground reclaimed and preserv would be like having Omaha Beach cut out of Normandy.”
The most recent acquisition evolved when Franklin’s Charge an the BOFT began discussions with t Lovells, who have a strong sense the history of the land, having g up in Franklin. “I was born and raised in Fran lin on ground many believe should have been a national park,” said
Lovell. He recalled when visitors came to town and had to envision what happened, not walk on ground where it transpired.
“My great-grandfather, who fou here, and my parents would be pro of what we are doing here today,” said at the press conference. The Franklin Board of Mayor
and Aldermen voted unanimously in February to fund part of the remaining debt on the Lovell property purchase. The previously
paid by the city on a non-interes basis over seven years. These funds will cover the bal
be derived from the city’s hoteltel tax. Local banker Chuck Isaac was instrumental in working out t loans. All the city funds are all
