Oak Hill in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Battle of Nashville
Attack by U.S. Colored Troops at Peach Orchard Hill
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 6, 2025
1. Battle of Nashville Marker
Peach Orchard Hill, also called Overton Hill, was the site of significant fighting during the second day of the Battle of Nashville on December 16, 1864. The majority of soldiers were from the 12th, 13th and 100th United States Colored Troops (USCT) within the 2nd Colored Brigade, commanded by Maj. Gen. James Steedman. With little to no combat experience, almost 40% of the 13th regiment were wounded or killed as they fought to reach the Confederate line, including 5 color bearers.
Due to continued pressure by the USCT regiments, the Confederates were forced to send two brigades from the left flank to reinforce troops at Peach Orchard Hill. This maneuver resulted in thinning the Confederate line, the fall of Shy's Hill, and Confederate defeat. Both U.S. and Confederate leaders heralded the bravery of the USCT. As U.S. Gen. George Thomas inspected the battlefield, he told his staff, "gentlemen this settles it, the Negro will fight!"
Erected 2024 by The Historical Commission of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County. (Marker Number 277.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is December 16, 1864.
Location. 36° 4.719′ N, 86° 46.366′
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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: A different marker also named Battle of Nashville (approx. Ό mile away); Robertson Academy (approx. 0.3 miles away); Travellers' Rest (approx. half a mile away); Battle of Nashville / Peach Orchard Hill (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Travellers Rest (approx. half a mile away); From Enslavement to Freedom (approx. half a mile away); Earliest Residents of Travellers Rest (approx. half a mile away); Historic Travellers Rest Herb Garden (approx. half a mile away).
Another marker is no longer nearby. Travellers Rest (was approx. half a mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 6, 2025
2. Battle of Nashville Marker Reverse
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 6, 2025
3. Battle of Nashville Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2025, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 313 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 8, 2025, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
