BA002235
Franklin
November 30, 1864
Event ID # BA002235
Location: Williamson County, TN
Campaign: Franklin-Nashville Campaign (1864)
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield [US]; Gen. John B. Hood [CS]
Forces Engaged: IV and XXIII Army Corps (Army of the Ohio and Cumberland) [US]; Army of Tennessee [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 8,587 total (US 2,326; CS 6,261)
Having lost a good opportunity at Spring Hill to hurt significantly the Union Army, Gen. John B. Hood marched in rapid pursuit of Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield’s retreating Union army. Schofield’s advance reached Franklin about sunrise on November 30 and quickly formed a defensive line in works thrown up by the Yankees in the spring of 1863, on the southern edge of town. Schofield wished to remain in Franklin to repair the bridges and get his supply trains over them. Skirmishing at Thompson’s Station and elsewhere delayed Hood’s march, but, around 4:00 pm, he marshaled a frontal attack against the Union perimeter. Two Federal brigades holding a forward position gave way and retreated to the inner works, but their comrades ultimately held in a battle that caused frightening casualties. When the battle ceased, after dark, six Confederate generals were dead or had mortal wounds. Despite this terrible loss, Hood’s army, late, depleted and worn, crawled on toward Nashville.
First Hand Accounts:
Bibliography
Copley, John M. A Sketch of the Battle of Franklin, Tenn.; with Reminiscences of Camp Douglas 1893
McDonough, James Lee and Thomas L. Connelly. Five Tragic Hours: The Battle of Franklin. Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Press, 1983.