Franklin in Williamson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Fort Granger
“Tried in the Fire”
By February 12, 1863, the first Federal regiment arrived to construct Fort Granger. Led by Col. Emerson Opdycke, the 125th Ohio Volunteer Infantry soon found supporters among the county’s quiet Unionist population, including Franklin native Dr. Daniel B. Cliffe and his wife.
Emboldened by the Federal army’s protection, local Unionists held a rally for Union and Restoration in Franklin at the courthouse.
”The speakers included William Parsons Brownlow, Governor Andrew Johnson, Judge John S. Brien, and U.S. Col. L.G. Houck… Our Union friends in Williamson, who have been tried in the fire, are greatly encouraged and feel hopeful. …After the speaking was over … Maj. Fitzgibbon, of the 14th Michigan, so deservingly popular with our citizens, captured us and carried us off to his delightful quarters at Fort Granger where we were served enough rations of excellent food. … In company with a large delegation from this place, escorted by General Granger, we visited Fort Granger, one of the strongest and finest fortifications in the department (sic) of the Cumberland. … General Granger gave the company an exhibition of his skill in gunning by firing two splendid shots from a monster Parrott gun, at a target over a mile distant.”
The Nashville Daily Union, August 22, 1863 — Courtesy Tennessee State Library & Archives
Erected by Historic Franklin Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Government & Politics • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #17 Andrew Johnson series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 12, 1863.
Location. 35° 55.542′ N, 86° 51.644′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Tennessee, in Williamson County. Marker can be reached from Eddy Lane near Fort Granger Drive, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Fort Granger Park, 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. A different marker also named Fort Granger (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Granger (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Granger (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Granger (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Fort Granger (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Granger (about 400 feet away); The Rainey House (approx. ¼ mile away); Franklin Cotton Factory and Foundry / Lillie Mills (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 185 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 16, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.