Franklin in Williamson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Fort Granger
From Slaves to Soldiers
From late 1863 to the war’s end, Tennessee’s 20,133 United States Colored Troops (USCT) served in almost every military engagement across the state. Dozens of men from Williamson and Maury Counties mustered in at Franklin, and several became part of Co. A, 13th USCT. Before being mustered out in 1866, at least 5,107 USCT casualties suffered death, disease, and capture in Tennessee. At least 290 of these men were born in Franklin and Williamson County with most serving in the infantry, a few in the cavalry, and roughly fifty artillery units.
Former slave owners grappled with the reality of slaves as soldiers. Moscow Carter, of the Carter House, wrote to his younger brother Tod in March 1864, “We have for the first time during the Federal occupancy, of this town, a corps of n---- soldiers, or as I heard a soldier call them the other day, ‘smoked Yankees’ quartered in this vicinity. I think there is a company—though I understand it will be increased to a regiment.”
The 17th USCT, organized in Nashville in December 1863, also had Williamson County recruits. It performed guard duty at various posts, including Franklin, until November 1864. On December 17-19, this unit, along with other USCT regiments, fought the remnants of Confederate Gen. John B. Hood’s army as it moved southward after the Battle of Nashville. As U.S. quartermasters searched for Federal dead following the war, two unknown soldiers identified as members of Co. K, 17th USCT, were buried at Carter’s Hill in December 1864.
Erected by Historic Franklin Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #17 Andrew Johnson series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 24, 1863.
Location. 35° 55.555′ N, 86° 51.656′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Tennessee, in Williamson County. Marker can be reached from Eddy Lane south of Fort Granger Drive, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Fort Granger Park, 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 different marker also named Fort Granger (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Granger (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Granger (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Granger (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Fort Granger (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Granger (about 500 feet away); The Rainey House (approx. ¼ mile away); Franklin Cotton Factory and Foundry / Lillie Mills (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 216 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on January 7, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 18, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.