Franklin in Williamson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Confederate Reunions at McGavock's Grove
Photographed By Brandon Stahl, April 26, 2017
1. Confederate Reunions at McGavock's Grove Marker
Inscription.
Confederate Reunions at McGavock's Grove. . Years after the Civil War ended, veterans slowly began to form reunions. Among the most common gathering sites were cemeteries, where survivors paid homage to their fallen comrades. The McGavock Confederate Cemetery was one such meeting place., Over time, many of these places became national battlefield parks. The first of these were Chickamauga and Chattanooga, created in 1890. Today, more than thirty Civil War national battlefield parks are protected under the National Park Service. There are also scores of other battlefields, like Franklin, that are currently preserved by city, state, and private entities.
Years after the Civil War ended, veterans slowly began to form reunions. Among the most common gathering sites were cemeteries, where survivors paid homage to their fallen comrades. The McGavock Confederate Cemetery was one such meeting place.
Over time, many of these places became national battlefield parks. The first of these were Chickamauga and Chattanooga, created in 1890. Today, more than thirty Civil War national battlefield parks are protected under the National Park Service. There are also scores of other battlefields, like Franklin, that are currently preserved by city, state, and private entities.
Erected by Franklin's Charge.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 35° 54.345′ N, 86° 51.615′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Tennessee, in Williamson County. Marker can be reached from Eastern Flank Circle, 0.4 miles south of Lewsiburg Pike (Business U.S. 431), on the right when traveling west. Marker is in Eastern Flank Battlefield Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1345 Eastern Flank Cir, Franklin TN 37064, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Dream Postponed (here, next to this marker); The Long Road to Recovery (here, next to this marker);
Also see . . . Franklin's Charge. Preserving the Franklin Battlefield (Submitted on May 17, 2017, by Brandon Stahl of Fairfax, Virginia.)
Photographed By Brandon Stahl, April 26, 2017
2. Confederate Reunions at McGavock's Grove Marker
3. 1892 Franklin Reunion
The largest reunion ever held at Carnton took place on September 14th and 15th, 1892. Between 10,000 and 15,000 people paraded from the Franklin Square to these very fields. One reporter in attendance recalled:
"Scores of acres dotted with magnificent trees from what is known as McGavock's Grove... toward the old town lying in the distance, the buggies and carriages of the incoming cord slowly moved in and the long line about like a huge serpent... In an hour the grove was a perfect sea of humanity."
4. 1914 50th Anniversary Reunion at Franklin
November 30, 1914 marked the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Franklin. Some 300 Union and Confederate veterans came to Franklin to commemorate the milestone. Among other activities, the veterans petitioned Congress to designate Franklin as a national battlefield a motion that proved unsuccessful.
5. 1927 Parade of Veterans
On October 11th and 12th, 1927, the last reunion of Williamson County Civil War veterans took place here. With hundreds in attendance, twenty-four veterans gathered together for one final commemoration. Part of the reunion included a parade down Main Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2017, by Brandon Stahl of Fairfax, Virginia. This page has been viewed 342 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 17, 2017, by Brandon Stahl of Fairfax, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.