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'''Fort Granger''' was a Union fort in the [[American Civil War]], built in 1862 in [[Franklin, Tennessee|Franklin]], [[Tennessee]] south of [[Nashville]]. One of several fortifications constructed in the [[Franklin Battlefield]], Fort Granger was used by Union troops to defend their positions in Middle Tennessee against Confederate attackers, most notably the during the [[Second Battle of Franklin]], part of the [[Franklin-Nashville Campaign]] in the [[Western Theater of the American Civil War|Western Theater]] of the Civil War.<br>
'''Fort Granger''' was a Union fort in the [[American Civil War]], built in 1862 in [[Franklin, Tennessee|Franklin]], [[Tennessee]], south of [[Nashville]]. One of several fortifications constructed in the [[Franklin Battlefield]], the fort was used by Union troops to defend their positions in Middle Tennessee against Confederate attackers, most notably the during the [[Second Battle of Franklin]], part of the [[Franklin-Nashville Campaign]] in the [[Western Theater of the American Civil War|Western Theater]] of the Civil War.

Today, Fort Granger's subsisting earthworks are a city park, near center of Franklin. Fort Granger is listed by the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.franklin-gov.com/government/parks/facilities-and-parks/park-locations-maps/park-locations/fort-granger |title=Fort Granger |website=www.franklin-gov.com |accessdate=10 July 2016}}</ref>. The site is accessible to the public via a trail from [[Pinkerton Park]], and includes a boardwalk offering a view of the [[Harpeth River]] and extending through part of the fort's site itself.<ref name=":0" />
Today, Fort Granger's subsisting earthworks are a city park, near center of Franklin. Fort Granger is listed by the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.franklin-gov.com/government/parks/facilities-and-parks/park-locations-maps/park-locations/fort-granger |title=Fort Granger |website=www.franklin-gov.com |accessdate=10 July 2016}}</ref> The site is accessible to the public via a trail from [[Pinkerton Park]], and includes a boardwalk offering a view of the [[Harpeth River]] and extending through part of the fort's site itself.<ref name=":0" />


==History==
==History==
===As a fort===
===As a fort===
====Construction, early use====
====Construction, early use====
After the [[Union Army]] captured [[Nashville]] early in 1862, Union troops under the command of Major General [[Gordon Granger]]<ref name=":1">"Fort Granger". Historical marker, 113 Fort Granger Dr, Franklin, TN 37064</ref> occupied Franklin within a few weeks.<ref>{{Cite book|title = The 1864 Franklin-Nashville Campaign: The Finishing Stroke|last = Smith|first = Michael Thomas|publisher = Praeger|year = 2014|isbn = 978-0-313-39234-4|location = Santa Barbara|pages = 7}}</ref> The [[Union Army]], fearful of local unrest and Confederate [[guerrillas]], began planning and construction for an artillery position that would protect the Nashville railroad line nearby.<ref>{{Cite journal|url = |title = James Hogan, Jr., and the Conflicts of Antebellum Southern Identity in Williamson County|last = Holladay|first = Bob|date = Spring 2009|journal = Tennessee Historical Quarterly|doi = |pmid = |access-date = March 24, 2015|pages = 20–39}}</ref> Construction of Fort Granger, named for Gordon Granger, began in 1863, and was overseen by Captain W. E. Morrill.<ref name=":1" />
After the [[Union Army]] captured [[Nashville]] early in 1862, Union troops under the command of Major General [[Gordon Granger]]<ref name=":1">"Fort Granger". Historical marker, 113 Fort Granger Dr, Franklin, TN 37064</ref> occupied Franklin within a few weeks.<ref>{{Cite book|title = The 1864 Franklin-Nashville Campaign: The Finishing Stroke|last = Smith|first = Michael Thomas|publisher = Praeger|year = 2014|isbn = 978-0-313-39234-4|location = Santa Barbara|pages = 7}}</ref> The Union Army, fearful of local unrest and Confederate [[guerrillas]], began planning and construction for an artillery position that would protect the Nashville railroad line nearby.<ref>{{Cite journal|url = |title = James Hogan, Jr., and the Conflicts of Antebellum Southern Identity in Williamson County|last = Holladay|first = Bob|date = Spring 2009|journal = Tennessee Historical Quarterly|doi = |pmid = |access-date = March 24, 2015|pages = 20–39}}</ref> Construction of Fort Granger, named for Gordon Granger, began in 1863, and was overseen by Captain W. E. Morrill.<ref name=":1" />


Fort Granger was constructed just north of the [[Harpeth River]], on [[Figuer's Bluff]], parallel to the railroad to Nashville.<ref name=":2" /> The fort was built on Figuer's Bluff because the bluff had military control over the Harpeth River bridge of the Tennessee and Alabama Railroad and it had control over the southern and northern approaches to Franklin.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url = http://www.civilwarlandscapes.org/cwla/states/tn/frkn/fg/places/fg09.htm|title = Battlefield Tours Fort Granger|date = December 26, 2010|accessdate = March 24, 2015|website = Civil War Landscapes|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> The completed fort incorporated nearly 275,000 square feet.<ref name=":2" /> The fort is approximately 781 feet long and 346 wide.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Who Built Fort Granger?|last = McNutt|first = Kraig W.|publisher = The Center for the Study of the Civil War|year = 2014|isbn = |location = |pages = }}</ref> The fort's entrance was called the [[Sally Port]].'<ref name=":3" /> The strongest part of the fortification, called 'The Cavalier,' was the location where the ground was the highest.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url = http://civil-war-journeys.org/images/DSC06780.JPG|title = The Cavalier|date = |accessdate = 24 March 2015|website = Civil War Journeys|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> This 'fort within a fort' was meant for times of overpowering attacks where defenders could make a final stand against invaders.<ref name=":4" /> The Cavalier was ideal for artillery because it provided the best view of the surrounding landscape.<ref name=":4" />
Fort Granger was constructed just north of the [[Harpeth River]], on [[Figuer's Bluff]], parallel to the railroad to Nashville.<ref name=":2" /> The fort was built here because the bluff had military control over the Harpeth River bridge of the Tennessee and Alabama Railroad, and it had control over the southern and northern approaches to Franklin.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url = http://www.civilwarlandscapes.org/cwla/states/tn/frkn/fg/places/fg09.htm|title = Battlefield Tours Fort Granger|date = December 26, 2010|accessdate = March 24, 2015|website = Civil War Landscapes|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> The completed fort incorporated nearly 275,000 square feet.<ref name=":2" /> It is approximately 781 feet long and 346 wide.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Who Built Fort Granger?|last = McNutt|first = Kraig W.|publisher = The Center for the Study of the Civil War|year = 2014|isbn = |location = |pages = }}</ref> Its entrance was called the "[[sally port]]."<ref name=":3" /> The strongest part of the fortification, called "The Cavalier," was the location where the ground was the highest.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url = http://civil-war-journeys.org/images/DSC06780.JPG|title = The Cavalier|date = |accessdate = 24 March 2015|website = Civil War Journeys|publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref> This "fort within a fort" was meant for use during overpowering attacks where defenders could make a final stand against invaders.<ref name=":4" /> The Cavalier was ideal for artillery because it provided the best view of the surrounding landscape.<ref name=":4" />


Union troops and some [[Contraband (American Civil War)|escaped slaves]] built Fort Granger.<ref name=":6">"Fort Granger". Historical marker "We could see every troop and every gun," located at Fort Granger </ref>. A letter written by James L. Rogers, 98th Ohio Infantry, on June 4, 1863 reveals some of the Federal units who constructed Fort Granger. Rogers states in part, "For the last 2 months and over we have been camped in, near Franklin, Tenn.. While our stay there, our time was principally occupied in working on the fortifications and scouting occasionally. And on the 2nd day of June General Grainger’s commenced including the 125th.O., 124th., O, 113th., O., 121st.O., 98th.O., 40th.O., 115th.ILL., 96th., ILL., 12ILL., & 84th Ind., and 2 or 3 regts of cavalry & 3 battries left Franklin at 6 a.m." <ref>The Kraig McNutt Civil War Collection, https://battleoffranklin.wordpress.com/about-your-guide/</ref> The Samuel Boyd Map shows the positions of the Federal unit's camp sites at Franklin in 1863. <ref>[http://jewlscholar.mtsu.edu/bitstream/handle/mtsu/4875/Flagel_mtsu_0170E_10561.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y The Fortress War: Effect of Union Fortifications in the Western Theater of the American Civil War], by Thomas R. Flagel. Middle Tennessee State University, 2016. Doctoral dissertation. p 44.</ref>
Union troops and some [[Contraband (American Civil War)|escaped slaves]] built Fort Granger.<ref name=":6">Historical marker: "We could see every troop and every gun," located at Fort Granger</ref> A letter written by James L. Rogers, 98th Ohio Infantry, on June 4, 1863 reveals some of the Federal units who constructed Fort Granger. Rogers states, "For the last 2 months and over we have been camped in, near Franklin, Tenn.. While our stay there, our time was principally occupied in working on the fortifications and scouting occasionally. And on the 2nd day of June General Grainger’s commenced including the 125th.O., 124th., O, 113th., O., 121st.O., 98th.O., 40th.O., 115th.ILL., 96th., ILL., 12ILL., & 84th Ind., and 2 or 3 regts of cavalry & 3 battries left Franklin at 6 a.m."<ref>The Kraig McNutt Civil War Collection, https://battleoffranklin.wordpress.com/about-your-guide/</ref> The Samuel Boyd Map shows the positions of the Federal unit's camp sites at Franklin in 1863.<ref>[http://jewlscholar.mtsu.edu/bitstream/handle/mtsu/4875/Flagel_mtsu_0170E_10561.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y The Fortress War: Effect of Union Fortifications in the Western Theater of the American Civil War], by Thomas R. Flagel. Middle Tennessee State University, 2016. Doctoral dissertation. p 44.</ref>


The Union position in Franklin was initially secure, and Fort Granger was therefore occupied by a small garrison. <ref name=":2" /> Union troops hung two Confederate spies at on June 9, 1863.<ref name=":2" /> Likewise, the fort's artillery served twice in 1863 against Confederate cavalry forces.<ref name=":1" />.
The Union position in Franklin was initially secure, and Fort Granger was therefore occupied by a small garrison.<ref name=":2" /> Union troops hung two Confederate spies on June 9, 1863.<ref name=":2" /> Likewise, the fort's artillery served twice in 1863 against Confederate cavalry forces.<ref name=":1" />


====During the [[Second Battle of Franklin]]====
====During the Second Battle of Franklin====
Fort Granger's most important moment came during the Second Battle of Franklin, part of [[John Bell Hood]]'s efforts in September 1864, to lead the [[Army of Tennessee]] to attack Union General [[William T. Sherman]]'s supply lines after Sherman defeated Hood at [[Atlanta]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url = http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=41119|title = The Historical Marker Database|date = March 24, 2011|accessdate = March 24, 2015|website = The Historical Marker Database|publisher = |last = Dover|first = Michael}}</ref> Hood directed the army north into Tennessee.<ref name=":5" />.
Fort Granger's most important moment came during the [[Second Battle of Franklin]], part of [[John Bell Hood]]'s efforts in September 1864 to lead the [[Army of Tennessee]] to attack Union General [[William T. Sherman]]'s supply lines after Sherman defeated Hood at [[Atlanta]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url = http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=41119|title = The Historical Marker Database|date = March 24, 2011|accessdate = March 24, 2015|website = The Historical Marker Database|publisher = |last = Dover|first = Michael}}</ref> Hood directed the army north into Tennessee.<ref name=":5" />


As part of the Second Battle of Franklin, Fort Granger served the Union cause. In the late afternoon of November 30, 1864, Confederate General John Bell Hood's army attacked Union General John M Schofield's troops in a fierce battle. Fighting lasted for five hours, including widespread hand-to-hand combat and artillery fire, causing 10,000 casualties on both sides. <ref name=":6">"Fort Granger". Historical marker "We could see every troop and every gun," located at Fort Granger </ref> During the battle, the commanding Union general, John M. Schofield, spent most of inside the fort, <ref name=":2">Jacobson, pp. 208-12; Welcher, p. 593; Sword, p. 167; Eicher, p. 772.</ref> where he had an excellent view of the battlefield.<ref name=":6">"Fort Granger". Historical marker "We could see every troop and every gun," located at Fort Granger </ref> At the same time, he watched his men build pontoon bridges across the Harpeth River, permitting him to move supply wagons and troops to Nashville once the battle had ended. <ref name=":6">"Fort Granger". Historical marker "We could see every troop and every gun," located at Fort Granger </ref>.
As part of the Second Battle of Franklin, Fort Granger served the Union cause. In the late afternoon of November 30, 1864, Confederate General John Bell Hood's army attacked Union General John M. Schofield's troops in a fierce battle. The fighting lasted for five hours, including widespread hand-to-hand combat and artillery fire, causing 10,000 casualties on both sides.<ref name=":6"/> The commanding Union general, Schofield, spent most of the battle inside the fort,<ref name=":2">Jacobson, pp. 208-12; Welcher, p. 593; Sword, p. 167; Eicher, p. 772.</ref> where he had an excellent view of the battlefield.<ref name=":6"/> At the same time, he watched his men build pontoon bridges across the Harpeth River, permitting him to move supply wagons and troops to Nashville once the battle had ended.<ref name=":6"/>


Fort Granger's artillery delivered [[Enfilade and defilade|enfilading fire]] upon Confederate attackers on November 30, 1864.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, November 30, 1864: a monograph|author=Jacob Dolson Cox|url=https://archive.org/details/battleoffranklin00coxj |page=123 |publisher=C. Scribner's Sons |location=New York |date=1897 |accessdate=10 July 2016}}</ref>. Four 3-inch rifled cannons in Fort Granger were fired by Capt. Giles J. Cockerill, Battery D, 1st Ohio Light Artillery.<ref name=":5" /> The Confederates suffered serious casualties to the 163 rounds fired by Cockerill’s guns.<ref name=":5" /> The right wing of the Confederate line, commanded by Gen. [[Alexander P. Stewart|A. P. Stewart]]’s Corps suffered the most from these rounds,<ref name=":5" /> Confederate attackers were subject to massed fire from the Union artillery from the fort.<ref>{{Cite journal|url = |title = The Battle of Franklin|last = Crownover|first = Sims|date = December 1955|journal = Tennessee Historical Quarterly|doi = |pmid = |access-date = March 24, 2015}}</ref> Local topography made Fort Granger's fire all the more lethal. When Confederate General A. P. Stewart's men advanced under Fort Granger's fire, their right flank was blocked by the Harpeth River. Confederate regiments infantry regiments like the 35th Alabama and the 12th Louisiana, General Thomas Scott's Brigade, and the 43rd Mississippi, Gen. John Adam's Brigade, were in particular harmed by the fire. Stewart's Corps suffered almost 3,000 casulties during the battle, many caused by Fort Granger's fire.<ref name=":6">"Fort Granger". Historical marker "We could see every troop and every gun," located at Fort Granger </ref>
Fort Granger's artillery delivered [[Enfilade and defilade|enfilading fire]] upon Confederate attackers on November 30, 1864.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, November 30, 1864: a monograph|author=Jacob Dolson Cox|url=https://archive.org/details/battleoffranklin00coxj |page=123 |publisher=C. Scribner's Sons |location=New York |date=1897 |accessdate=10 July 2016}}</ref> Four 3-inch rifled cannons in Fort Granger were fired by Capt. Giles J. Cockerill, Battery D, 1st Ohio Light Artillery.<ref name=":5" /> The Confederates suffered serious casualties to the 163 rounds fired by Cockerill's guns.<ref name=":5" /> The right wing of the Confederate line, commanded by Gen. [[Alexander P. Stewart|A. P. Stewart]]'s corps, suffered the most from these rounds.<ref name=":5" /> Confederate attackers were subject to massed fire from the Union artillery from the fort.<ref>{{Cite journal|url = |title = The Battle of Franklin|last = Crownover|first = Sims|date = December 1955|journal = Tennessee Historical Quarterly|doi = |pmid = |access-date = March 24, 2015}}</ref> Local topography made Fort Granger's fire all the more lethal. When Confederate General Stewart's men advanced under Fort Granger's fire, their right flank was blocked by the Harpeth River. Confederate regiments infantry regiments like the 35th Alabama and the 12th Louisiana, General Thomas Scott's brigade, and the 43rd Mississippi, Gen. John Adam's brigade, were in particular harmed by the fire. Stewart's Corps suffered almost 3,000 casualties during the battle, many caused by Fort Granger's fire.<ref name=":6"/>


A Union soldier, German immigrant Lieutenant Frederick W. Fout described the scene: "From our post at Fort Granger, we could see every troop and every gun in our line, as long as it was day and the cloud of gun smoke allowed it. After sundown, the sparks of rifle fire and the lightning, thunder and groaning of the heavy cannons was splendid and awe-inspiring for the eye and ear."<ref name=":6">"Fort Granger". Historical marker "We could see every troop and every gun," located at Fort Granger </ref>
A Union soldier, German immigrant Lieutenant Frederick W. Fout, described the scene: "From our post at Fort Granger, we could see every troop and every gun in our line, as long as it was day and the cloud of gun smoke allowed it. After sundown, the sparks of rifle fire and the lightning, thunder and groaning of the heavy cannons was splendid and awe-inspiring for the eye and ear."<ref name=":6"/>


===As a historical site===
===As a historical site===
In 1973, a {{convert|20|acre|adj=on}} area, including one [[contributing structure]] and one [[contributing site]], was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name=nris/><ref name=nrhpdoc>{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=73001858}}|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Fort Granger|publisher=[[National Park Service]]|author=Jack Morgan and Earle DuRard, Jr. |date=September 1, 1972 |accessdate=March 2, 2017 }} with {{NRHP url|id=73001858|photos=y|title=two photos from 1973 and aerial photo from 1972}}</ref>. The site now contains several historical panels about the fort's history and the events surrounding its construction and use.
In 1973, a {{convert|20|acre|adj=on}} area, including one [[contributing structure]] and one [[contributing site]], was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name=nris/><ref name=nrhpdoc>{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=73001858}}|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Fort Granger|publisher=[[National Park Service]]|author=Jack Morgan and Earle DuRard, Jr. |date=September 1, 1972 |accessdate=March 2, 2017 }} with {{NRHP url|id=73001858|photos=y|title=two photos from 1973 and aerial photo from 1972}}</ref> The site now contains several historical panels about the fort's history and the events surrounding its construction and use.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Fort Granger - Franklin TN - View of the fort site from the bottom of the trail leading to it 01.jpg|View of fort site from the bottom of the trail.
Fort Granger - Franklin TN - View of the fort site from the bottom of the trail leading to it 01.jpg|View of fort site from the bottom of the trail
Fort Granger - Franklin TN - Earthworks 03.jpg|Fort Granger earthworks.
Fort Granger - Franklin TN - Earthworks 03.jpg|Fort Granger earthworks
Fort Granger - Franklin TN - View of earthernworks and observation deck 01.jpg|View of earthernworks and observation deck.
Fort Granger - Franklin TN - View of earthernworks and observation deck 01.jpg|View of earthworks and observation deck
Fort Granger - Franklin TN - View of the fort site from halfway up the trail leading up to it 01.jpg|View of trail leading up to fort.
Fort Granger - Franklin TN - View of the fort site from halfway up the trail leading up to it 01.jpg|View of trail leading up to fort
Fort Granger - Franklin TN - Center of fort site 01.jpg|Center of the Fort Granger site.
Fort Granger - Franklin TN - Center of fort site 01.jpg|Center of the Fort Granger site
FT. GRANGER.jpg
FT. GRANGER.jpg
</gallery>
</gallery>
Line 56: Line 57:
*[[Carnton]], also NRHP-listed in the battlefield
*[[Carnton]], also NRHP-listed in the battlefield
*[[Fountain Carter House]], also NRHP-listed in the battlefield
*[[Fountain Carter House]], also NRHP-listed in the battlefield
*[[Roper's Knob Fortifications]] is another NRHP-listed fortification on the Franklin battlefield area.
*[[Roper's Knob Fortifications]], another NRHP-listed fortification on the Franklin battlefield area


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 17:22, 30 July 2018

Fort Granger
Fort Granger's earthworks
Fort Granger is located in Tennessee
Fort Granger
Fort Granger is located in the United States
Fort Granger
Location113 Fort Granger Franklin, TN 37065 Franklin, Tennessee
Coordinates35°55′33″N 86°51′38″W / 35.92583°N 86.86056°W / 35.92583; -86.86056
Area20 acres (8.1 ha)
Built1862
NRHP reference No.73001858[1]
Added to NRHPJanuary 8, 1973

Fort Granger was a Union fort in the American Civil War, built in 1862 in Franklin, Tennessee, south of Nashville. One of several fortifications constructed in the Franklin Battlefield, the fort was used by Union troops to defend their positions in Middle Tennessee against Confederate attackers, most notably the during the Second Battle of Franklin, part of the Franklin-Nashville Campaign in the Western Theater of the Civil War.

Today, Fort Granger's subsisting earthworks are a city park, near center of Franklin. Fort Granger is listed by the National Register of Historic Places.[2] The site is accessible to the public via a trail from Pinkerton Park, and includes a boardwalk offering a view of the Harpeth River and extending through part of the fort's site itself.[2]

History

As a fort

Construction, early use

After the Union Army captured Nashville early in 1862, Union troops under the command of Major General Gordon Granger[3] occupied Franklin within a few weeks.[4] The Union Army, fearful of local unrest and Confederate guerrillas, began planning and construction for an artillery position that would protect the Nashville railroad line nearby.[5] Construction of Fort Granger, named for Gordon Granger, began in 1863, and was overseen by Captain W. E. Morrill.[3]

Fort Granger was constructed just north of the Harpeth River, on Figuer's Bluff, parallel to the railroad to Nashville.[6] The fort was built here because the bluff had military control over the Harpeth River bridge of the Tennessee and Alabama Railroad, and it had control over the southern and northern approaches to Franklin.[7] The completed fort incorporated nearly 275,000 square feet.[6] It is approximately 781 feet long and 346 wide.[8] Its entrance was called the "sally port."[7] The strongest part of the fortification, called "The Cavalier," was the location where the ground was the highest.[9] This "fort within a fort" was meant for use during overpowering attacks where defenders could make a final stand against invaders.[9] The Cavalier was ideal for artillery because it provided the best view of the surrounding landscape.[9]

Union troops and some escaped slaves built Fort Granger.[10] A letter written by James L. Rogers, 98th Ohio Infantry, on June 4, 1863 reveals some of the Federal units who constructed Fort Granger. Rogers states, "For the last 2 months and over we have been camped in, near Franklin, Tenn.. While our stay there, our time was principally occupied in working on the fortifications and scouting occasionally. And on the 2nd day of June General Grainger’s commenced including the 125th.O., 124th., O, 113th., O., 121st.O., 98th.O., 40th.O., 115th.ILL., 96th., ILL., 12ILL., & 84th Ind., and 2 or 3 regts of cavalry & 3 battries left Franklin at 6 a.m."[11] The Samuel Boyd Map shows the positions of the Federal unit's camp sites at Franklin in 1863.[12]

The Union position in Franklin was initially secure, and Fort Granger was therefore occupied by a small garrison.[6] Union troops hung two Confederate spies on June 9, 1863.[6] Likewise, the fort's artillery served twice in 1863 against Confederate cavalry forces.[3]

During the Second Battle of Franklin

Fort Granger's most important moment came during the Second Battle of Franklin, part of John Bell Hood's efforts in September 1864 to lead the Army of Tennessee to attack Union General William T. Sherman's supply lines after Sherman defeated Hood at Atlanta.[13] Hood directed the army north into Tennessee.[13]

As part of the Second Battle of Franklin, Fort Granger served the Union cause. In the late afternoon of November 30, 1864, Confederate General John Bell Hood's army attacked Union General John M. Schofield's troops in a fierce battle. The fighting lasted for five hours, including widespread hand-to-hand combat and artillery fire, causing 10,000 casualties on both sides.[10] The commanding Union general, Schofield, spent most of the battle inside the fort,[6] where he had an excellent view of the battlefield.[10] At the same time, he watched his men build pontoon bridges across the Harpeth River, permitting him to move supply wagons and troops to Nashville once the battle had ended.[10]

Fort Granger's artillery delivered enfilading fire upon Confederate attackers on November 30, 1864.[14] Four 3-inch rifled cannons in Fort Granger were fired by Capt. Giles J. Cockerill, Battery D, 1st Ohio Light Artillery.[13] The Confederates suffered serious casualties to the 163 rounds fired by Cockerill's guns.[13] The right wing of the Confederate line, commanded by Gen. A. P. Stewart's corps, suffered the most from these rounds.[13] Confederate attackers were subject to massed fire from the Union artillery from the fort.[15] Local topography made Fort Granger's fire all the more lethal. When Confederate General Stewart's men advanced under Fort Granger's fire, their right flank was blocked by the Harpeth River. Confederate regiments infantry regiments like the 35th Alabama and the 12th Louisiana, General Thomas Scott's brigade, and the 43rd Mississippi, Gen. John Adam's brigade, were in particular harmed by the fire. Stewart's Corps suffered almost 3,000 casualties during the battle, many caused by Fort Granger's fire.[10]

A Union soldier, German immigrant Lieutenant Frederick W. Fout, described the scene: "From our post at Fort Granger, we could see every troop and every gun in our line, as long as it was day and the cloud of gun smoke allowed it. After sundown, the sparks of rifle fire and the lightning, thunder and groaning of the heavy cannons was splendid and awe-inspiring for the eye and ear."[10]

As a historical site

In 1973, a 20-acre (8.1 ha) area, including one contributing structure and one contributing site, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[1][16] The site now contains several historical panels about the fort's history and the events surrounding its construction and use.

  • View of fort site from the bottom of the trail
    View of fort site from the bottom of the trail
  • Fort Granger earthworks
    Fort Granger earthworks
  • View of earthworks and observation deck
    View of earthworks and observation deck
  • View of trail leading up to fort
    View of trail leading up to fort
  • Center of the Fort Granger site
    Center of the Fort Granger site
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Fort Granger, Franklin, TN.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. ^ a b "Fort Granger". www.franklin-gov.com. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
  3. ^ a b c "Fort Granger". Historical marker, 113 Fort Granger Dr, Franklin, TN 37064
  4. ^ Smith, Michael Thomas (2014). The 1864 Franklin-Nashville Campaign: The Finishing Stroke. Santa Barbara: Praeger. p. 7. ISBN 978-0-313-39234-4.
  5. ^ Holladay, Bob (Spring 2009). "James Hogan, Jr., and the Conflicts of Antebellum Southern Identity in Williamson County". Tennessee Historical Quarterly: 20–39. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  6. ^ a b c d e Jacobson, pp. 208-12; Welcher, p. 593; Sword, p. 167; Eicher, p. 772.
  7. ^ a b "Battlefield Tours Fort Granger". Civil War Landscapes. December 26, 2010. Retrieved March 24, 2015.
  8. ^ McNutt, Kraig W. (2014). Who Built Fort Granger?. The Center for the Study of the Civil War.
  9. ^ a b c "The Cavalier". Civil War Journeys. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  10. ^ a b c d e f Historical marker: "We could see every troop and every gun," located at Fort Granger
  11. ^ The Kraig McNutt Civil War Collection, https://battleoffranklin.wordpress.com/about-your-guide/
  12. ^ The Fortress War: Effect of Union Fortifications in the Western Theater of the American Civil War, by Thomas R. Flagel. Middle Tennessee State University, 2016. Doctoral dissertation. p 44.
  13. ^ a b c d e Dover, Michael (March 24, 2011). "The Historical Marker Database". The Historical Marker Database. Retrieved March 24, 2015.
  14. ^ Jacob Dolson Cox (1897). The Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, November 30, 1864: a monograph. New York: C. Scribner's Sons. p. 123. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
  15. ^ Crownover, Sims (December 1955). "The Battle of Franklin". Tennessee Historical Quarterly. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  16. ^ Jack Morgan and Earle DuRard, Jr. (September 1, 1972). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Fort Granger". National Park Service. Retrieved March 2, 2017. with two photos from 1973 and aerial photo from 1972
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