Vol. 42, No. 3 Battlefield Of Franklin Land Preser By GreGory L. Wade FRANKLIN, Tenn. — What is considered the bloodiest acreage in the Nov. 30, 1864, Battle of Frankl
is now being reclaimed as part of t evolving Carter Hill Battlefield Pa Local preservation leaders recently
from owners Reid and Brenda Lovell after a months-long process of coordinating various funding sources for the critical 1.6 acres adjoin the Carter House, a major
battle landmark. Details were recently provided a a press conference led by Franklin’ Charge board member Julian Bibb, who praised the “remarkable transition” of the Franklin battlefield
Franklin’s Charge is a coalition of civic and preservation groups who joined together more than ten years ago to purchase local battleground. Over 150 years ago the Army of Tennessee stepped off in a series of charges to be virtually destroye by Federals under John Schofield in hopes of taking Franklin and later Nashville. At that time, most of the terrai
was open farmland on the outskirts of what was once a small Middle Tennessee farming community. Over time development covered much of the battlefield with houses, light
dustry, and small businesses. All that remained of the critica area where the Confederates tem-
known as the Carter House farm. The 1.6 acres purchased, which adjoin the southern boundary of the Carter House property, is comprised of two lots. Today, they are occupi
that were turned over to the City of Franklin Parks Department by Franklin’s Charge and the Battle of Franklin’s Trust (BOFT), managers
of the Carter House the nearby Carn ton Plantation. The structures will removed in coming months, possibly relocated for other use. The purchase is only the latest in a long and arduous effort to rebuild the Franklin battlefield. “It had to be a miracle,” quippe Civil War Trust (CWT) President
James Lighthizer, referring to the most recent acquisition. Local resident Michael Grainger, long time Trust board member and former chairman, said, “Local leadership has been incredible and will contin
ue to be a partner [with the CWT].” In 2005, after years of frustrat attempting to preserve Franklin bat tleground, local preservationists d cided it would have to be done the hard way, by buying properties, often with buildings on them. The largest parcel of land was originally a local golf course slat to be sold to a developer to build houses on what was the right flank
of the Confederate attack north toward the Federal lines just south o the town. It was then that Franklin’s Char came into existence. Funds have
chase from private donors, the CWT, the City of Franklin and others. Th
Flank Battlefield, is what got the preservation ball rolling in Frankl Since that time nine other parce in proximity to the Carter House have been purchased and have been,
at the Lovell purchase regory L. Wade photos)
Bibb. But it was the land just south Carter House, long considered the
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
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 now bridged by a local bank and w
tel tax. Local banker Chuck Isaac was instrumental in working out t loans. All the city funds are all