Parkers Crossroads in Henderson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Freeman's Battery
Forrest's Artillery
Photographed By Shane Oliver, April 11, 2021
1. Freeman's Battery Marker
Front
Freeman's Battery
Forrest's Artillery
and
Samuel L. Freeman.
General Nathan Bedford
Forrest's First Artillery
Captain Freeman's Battery
fought near here
during the Battle of
Parker's Crossroads
Dec. 31, 1862
Rear
General N.B. Forrest opened the battle of Parker's Crossroads by placing a 12 pounder bronze field howitzer under the command of Sergeant Nat Baxter on a knoll in Hicks field four hundred yards from the enemy. The Federals were supported by three cannon. The Union assault was so intense Baxter's men were forced to load and fire lying down. In spite of the awkward position, the firing was rapid. Baxter's gun dismounted one of the Federal guns to the great satisfaction of General Forrest, who remained with Baxter's gun during the duel and was with the piece frequently throughout the day. The other two guns were later captured. Forrest relied chiefly on his artillery in fighting the Federals at the crossroads and did not expose his soldiers unless necessary for the protection of the guns.
The Federals were driven beyond the crossroads and were surrendering when Forrest was surprised by another Union force behind his artillery. Exposed to fire front and rear, he withdrew in good order leaving
this page online
In his report of the battle General Forrest stated that Captain Freeman … and all of his men deserved special mention, keeping up as they did a constant fire from their pieces not withstanding the enemy made every effort at silencing their guns.
Erected June 8, 2002 by Freeman's Battery Forrest's Artillery, Camp 1939. Sons of Confederate Veterans
Erected 2002 by Sons of Confederate Veterans (See end of text).
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Sons of Confederate Veterans/United Confederate Veterans series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 8, 2010.
Location. 35° 47.831′ N, 88° 23.428′ W. Marker is in Parkers Crossroads, Tennessee, in Henderson County. Memorial can be reached from Tennessee Route 22, 0.6 miles north of Interstate 40, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wildersville TN 38388, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Battle of Parker's Crossroads (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Parker's Crossroads (a few steps from this marker); Parker's Crossroads
Photographed By David Graff, April 24, 2012
2. Freeman's Battery Monument (Rear)
More about this marker. The monument is at Tour Stop 1 of the Parker's Crossroads Driving Tour near a cannon that is visible from Route 22.
Regarding Freeman's Battery. The monument has a Sons of Confederate Veterans 1896 emblem on the front and an engraving of an artillery unit and gun on the back. It is topped by a symbolic pyramid of cannonballs.
Photographed By Shane Oliver, April 11, 2021
3. Artillery Piece near the marker
Photographed By David Graff, April 24, 2012
4. Freeman's Battery Gun
Cannon near Freeman's Battery Monument.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2014, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This page has been viewed 726 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 30, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on March 9, 2014, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. 3. submitted on May 30, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on March 9, 2014, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
