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

Battle of Franklin

Artillery Hellfire

Photographed By Brandon Stahl, April 26, 2017

1. Battle of Franklin Marker

Inscription. Several Federal gun crews delivered relentless fire to this portion of the Franklin battlefield late in the afternoon of November 30, 1864. At least fourteen of the Union’s thirty-six fieldpieces engaged at Franklin could hit the Eastern flank here. The Confederate side was at a distinct disadvantage in terms of artillery because most batteries were still on the road from Columbia, unable to reach the battle in time to counter the Federal shot and shell.

Erected by Tennessee Civil War Trails.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 30, 1864.

Location. 35° 54.404′ N, 86° 51.653′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Tennessee, in Williamson County. Marker can be reached from Eastern Flank Circle, 0.4 miles south of Lewisburg Pike (Business U.S. 431), on the right when traveling west. Located in Eastern Flank Battlefield Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1345 Eastern Flank Cir, 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. Battle of Franklin, Eastern Flank (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Franklin, Eastern Flank (within shouting distance of this marker);

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Battle of Franklin, Aftermath (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Battle of Franklin, Eastern Flank (about 400 feet away); Confederate Reunions at McGavock's Grove (about 400 feet away); A Dream Postponed (about 400 feet away); The Long Road to Recovery (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Battle of Franklin, Eastern Flank (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.

Photographed By Brandon Stahl, April 26, 2017

2. Battle of Franklin Marker

Civil War Artillery Battery image. Click for full size.

Library of Congress

3. Civil War Artillery Battery

An artillery battery usually consisted of four to six guns. Moving and “serving” (loading, aiming firing, and cleaning) them was often a monumental task involving about 100 officers and men, scores of draft animals, and several ammunition caissons in each battery. A Union battery of four ordnance guns, with its men and horses, is shown here. Made of iron, with rifled 3-inch-diameter bores, ordnance guns were among the most popular and accurate artillery pieces of the war.

12 Pounder Napoleon image. Click for full size.

Library of Congress

4. 12 Pounder Napoleon

The bronze 12-pounder napoleon smoothbore was one of the most common artillery pieces in the Civil War and at the Battle of Franklin. Named after Emproer Louis Napoleon III of France, this mobile, versatile piece could launch a projectile almost a mile. It was not as accurate as a rifled cannon, but its smoothbore barrel made it especially effective as a quick-loading weapon at close range.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2017. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2017, by Brandon Stahl of Fairfax, Virginia. This page has been viewed 485 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 18, 2017, by Brandon Stahl of Fairfax, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.