Spring Hill in Maury County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Schofield's Retreat
Night of November 29-30
Photographed By Don Morfe, April 23, 2014
1. Schofield's Retreat Marker
Inscription.
Schofield's Retreat. Night of November 29-30. For a number of reasons, Major General John Schofield had been tardy in evacuating his position at Columbia and retreating to Franklin. Although starting late, the Federal army performed a well planned and executed retreat. Schofield and his subordinates made their headquarters in the saddle, and issued clear, concise instructions. All that evening and past midnight the Federal wagons, artillery, and long columns of infantry marched north toward Franklin on the dark macadam road. Lieutenant Chesley Mosman of the 59th Illinois Infantry remembered: “The rebels were in line of battle south of town, a quarter of a mile from the Pike along which we marched, and their long lines of campfires burnt brightly. Staff officers were stationed along the Pike to caution the men not to talk or let their canteens rattle so as to make a noise; that those were the fires of the enemy. So we passed time sub silentio if not 'with averted eye.' We…realized our situation…and move rapidly and march to Franklin.” The Union army had lost the “Spring Hill races,” but had escaped the trap unscathed.
For a number of reasons, Major General John Schofield had been tardy in evacuating his position at Columbia and retreating to Franklin. Although starting late, the Federal army performed a well planned and executed retreat. Schofield and his subordinates made their headquarters in the saddle, and issued clear, concise instructions. All that evening and past midnight the Federal wagons, artillery, and long columns of infantry marched north toward Franklin on the dark macadam road. Lieutenant Chesley Mosman of the 59th Illinois Infantry remembered: “The rebels were in line of battle south of town, a quarter of a mile from the Pike along which we marched, and their long lines of campfires burnt brightly. Staff officers were stationed along the Pike to caution the men not to talk or let their canteens rattle so as to make a noise; that those were the fires of the enemy. So we passed time sub silentio if not 'with averted eye.' We…realized our situation…and move rapidly and march to Franklin.” The Union army had lost the “Spring Hill races,” but had escaped the trap unscathed.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 35° 43.927′
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N, 86° 57.205′ W. Marker was in Spring Hill, Tennessee, in Maury County. Marker could be reached from Main Street (U.S. 31) half a mile south of Saturn Parkway (State Route 396), on the left when traveling south. Located on the grounds of Rippavilla Plantation. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 5700 Main St, Spring Hill TN 37174, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 651 times since then and 13 times this year. Last updated on October 22, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on July 4, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4. submitted on March 4, 2016, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
