The Battle of Franklin: A Turning Point in the Civil War

The Battle of Franklin: A Turning Point in the Civil War

The Battle of Franklin, fought on November 30, 1864, was a pivotal engagement in the American Civil War. It took place in Franklin, Tennessee, and saw a Confederate army led by General John Bell Hood clash with a Union force commanded by Major General John Schofield. The battle was a brutal and costly affair, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.

Historical Context

By late 1864, the tide of the war was turning in favor of the Union. General William Tecumseh Sherman had successfully captured Atlanta, Georgia, and was marching through the South, devastating Confederate resources. General Hood, hoping to draw Sherman away from his campaign, decided to attack Union forces in Tennessee. He believed that a decisive victory over Schofield's army would force Sherman to abandon his advance and come to his aid.

The Battle

On November 30, 1864, Hood's Confederate army attacked Schofield's Union forces as they were retreating from Columbia, Tennessee, to Nashville. The Confederates launched a series of assaults against the Union lines, but were met with fierce resistance. The battle raged for hours, with both sides suffering heavy losses.

One of the most notable features of the Battle of Franklin was the Confederate assault on the Union lines at Carter's Creek. Hood ordered a wave of soldiers to charge across an open field towards the Union defenses. The attack was suicidal, and the Confederates suffered terrible casualties. Over 6,000 Confederate soldiers were killed or wounded in the battle, while the Union army suffered around 2,300 casualties.

Impact and Legacy

Despite the heavy losses, the Battle of Franklin did not achieve Hood's objective of forcing Sherman to abandon his campaign. The Union army was able to retreat to Nashville, where it eventually defeated Hood's army in a decisive battle. The battle was a turning point in the war, as it significantly weakened the Confederate army and contributed to the eventual Union victory.

The Battle of Franklin is remembered for its brutality and the immense human cost. The battlefields are now preserved as a National Park, where visitors can learn about the events of the battle and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought there. The battle also serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of war and the importance of preserving peace.

Key Takeaways

• The Battle of Franklin was a pivotal engagement in the American Civil War.
• The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, particularly for the Confederate army.
• The battle did not achieve Hood's objective of forcing Sherman to abandon his campaign.
• The Battle of Franklin is remembered for its brutality and the immense human cost.
• The battlefields are now preserved as a National Park, where visitors can learn about the events of the battle and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought there.