Franklin in Williamson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Epic Struggle in the Carter Garden

Photographed by Larry Gertner, June 16, 2019

1. Epic Struggle in the Carter Garden Marker

Inscription. Prior to the Civil War, this area was part of a roughly two acre tract used by the Carter family as a garden. Potatoes, okra, raspberries, apples, and peaches were just a few of the crops grown here. On November 30, 1864, the garden was destroyed when Federal troops dug a portion of their main defensive line through it and as vicious fighting later raged across it. The 72nd Illinois Infantry was posted directly ahead in the main line and those troops, along with the rest of Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Ruger’s Division were assaulted by elements of Maj. Gen. John. C. Brown’s Confederate Division. This portion of the main line collapsed under the weight of the attack and fell back to a reserve line, which was manned by the 44th Missouri Infantry. From sunset to well into the night the combat was desperate and often hand-to-hand until the Confederates finally withdrew.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is November 30, 1864.

Location. 35° 54.997′ N, 86° 52.454′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Tennessee, in Williamson County. It can be reached from Columbia Avenue (Business U.S. 31) north of Strahl Street, on the left when traveling north. Located on the grounds

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of the Carter House State Historic Site. Parking can be reached from W Fowlkes St. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1104 Columbia Ave, Franklin TN 37064, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Middle Tennessee

and in Greater Nashville.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Carter Farm (a few steps from this marker); 44th Missouri Infantry (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Carter Farm (within shouting distance of this marker); Brown's Division (within shouting distance of this marker); Bate's Division (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain Theodrick (Tod) Carter (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Carter Farm (within shouting distance of this marker); A Lost Battlefield is Reclaimed (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.

Also see . . . Battle of Franklin Trust. Carter House & Canton (Submitted on September 2, 2019.)

Epic Struggle in the Carter Garden marker site image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, June 16, 2019

2. Epic Struggle in the Carter Garden marker site

The main Federal defensive line, shown by the light-colored swath, went throught the family garden.

The attacker's view of the Carter House site. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, June 16, 2019

3. The attacker's view of the Carter House site.

The garden area is to the extreme left.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 518 times since then and 32 times this year. Last updated on March 13, 2022, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 2, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.