Franklin in Williamson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Freeman's Battery, Forrest's Artillery
Rear: While advancing toward Franklin, TN on the Lewisburg Pike, April 10, 1863, General N.B. Forrest’s command was attacked by the 4th U.S. Regulars. Forrest’s regiments were widely separated and Captain Samuel L. Freeman’s isolated battery was the focus of the charge. Freeman ordered the battery into action, injuring his knee while placing the guns. A primer failed and the enemy captured the battery and 31 men. Hearing the gunfire, Forrest rushed towards the battery’s position. After cutting the guns down, the Federals, fearing Forrest’s vengeance, ordered the captured artillerymen to run or be shot. The battery doctor could not keep up with the retreating Yankees and was shot in the hand as he tried to protect his face. Unable to run, the unarmed and injured Freeman was shot in the mouth, killing him instantly. The promising young teacher, law student, and Forrest’s first artillery captain had been murdered. Captain Freeman was buried in Springhill, TN April 11, 1863. Gen. Forrest never gave quarter to the 4th U.S. Cavalry in future engagements.
Of Capt. Freeman, Forrest said, Brave man, none braver. Years after the war, one of the battery’s cannoneers stated, We always held to the name of Freeman.
Erected by Freeman’s Battery, Forrest’s Artillery Camp 1939, Sons of Confederate Veterans
November 30, 2003
Erected 2003 by Freeman’s Battery, Forrest’s Artillery Camp 1939, Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is April 10, 1863.
Location. 35° 53.317′ N, 86° 52.674′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Tennessee, in Williamson County. Memorial is on Columbia Avenue (U.S. 31) 0.2 miles south of Mack C. Hatcher Memorial Parkway (Tennessee Route 397), on the right when traveling south. One of several memorial/commemorative markers within Winstead Hill Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4023 Columbia Ave, 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. 3" Ordnance Gun (here, next to this marker); Our Ancestors (here, next to this marker); Tennessee (here, next to this marker); Tennessee, A Grave or a Free Home (a few steps from this marker); Hood and Schofield (a few steps from this marker); Mississippi (a few steps from this marker); To The Soldiers Of Florida (a few steps from this marker); Alabama (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 606 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on June 26, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1. submitted on May 22, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 2. submitted on June 28, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on May 22, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.