Preserving Civil War Resources THEME SUMMARY OF CHALLENGES The Battle of Franklin, fought on November 30, 1864, was a defining moment in the Western Theater of the American Civil War. Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood’s troops engaged U.S. forces commanded by Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield as part of Hood’s effort to retake Nashville, which had been under Federal control since early 1862. Hood’s late afternoon assault across a large swath of open farmland, sometimes referred to as the “Pickett’s charge of the West” resulted in heavy casualties. Altogether nearly 10,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, and captured. Six Confederate generals were killed, one captured, and seven wounded, devastating their leadership. Federal forces withdrew to Nashville that night and left the battered and weakened Confederate army behind. The Confederates later advanced north, where they were ultimately defeated at the Battle of Nashville two weeks later. The identification of Civil War sites in Franklin has extended well beyond key areas of conflict to include outlying earthworks and buildings adapted for use as hospitals. The entire town was impacted by the battle and its aftermath. Franklin has been hailed as a national model for battlefield preservation. Citizens, nonprofit organizations, and governments at the local, state, and national levels have been collectively involved over the years in a series of collaborative projects and investments resulting in a coordinated effort to acquire, restore, preserve, interpret, and promote Civil War resources not merely as landmarks, but as key assets in education and heritage tourism. Rapid growth and rising real estate values threaten battlefield landscapes and related Civil War resources, while uneven and outdated survey data limit effective planning and protection. While significant portions of battlefield lands are protected, there are limited enforcement mechanisms for land that isn’t protected, should a development threat arise. Franklin lacks a comprehensive inventory of Civil War sites, including earthworks, encampments, medical facilities, and associated landscapes. Civil War resources traditionally tend to attract a devoted but limited audience, highlighting the need to broaden the stories and engagement with residents and visitors. Preservation, interpretation, tourism, and education efforts across organizations could be better integrated, enhancing public awareness and broader impact. Many residents and visitors are not fully aware of the preservation work that has taken place in Franklin, which can weaken long-term public support for continued Civil War related efforts. 1 2 3 4 5 6 130 FRANKLIN, TN | PRESERVATION PLAN
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1Mzc2