Historical Marker

Franklin’s Civil War Sites

Historical marker location:
305 Public Square, Franklin, Tennessee
( Marker is at the intersection of West Main Street and 3rd Avenue South, on the right when traveling east on West Main Street.)

The Battle of Franklin

  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

Audiobooks about the history of Tennessee.
The first recorded gold rush in the United States occurred in Tennessee in the early 19th century. The discovery of gold in the state's Cherokee lands sparked a rush of settlers and miners hoping to strike it rich.
Tennessee random facts
Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Chickasaw, Williamson County in Tennessee was first settled by European settlers in the late 18th century. Named after Hugh Williamson, a North Carolina politician, the county was officially established in 1799. The first settlement, known as Thompson's Station, was established in 1780 by Dr. Elijah Thompson. Over time, more settlements developed, including Franklin, which became the county seat.

During the early years of its settlement, Williamson County was primarily an agricultural community, with crops such as tobacco and cotton being the main source of income for many residents. Slavery was widespread in the area, and Williamson County had one of the highest slave populations in Tennessee. This led to a strong pro-secession sentiment during the Civil War, and the county became a major battleground. The Battle of Franklin, fought in 1864, was one of the bloodiest battles of the war, with thousands of casualties.

After the war, Williamson County slowly recovered and began to modernize. Agriculture remained important, but industry and commerce started to play a larger role in the local economy. Railroads were built, connecting Williamson County to other parts of the region, and the population steadily grew. In the early 20th century, a strong sense of community and preservation of historical landmarks emerged, leading to the establishment of organizations such as the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County.

Today, Williamson County is one of the wealthiest counties in Tennessee and has experienced rapid growth. It has a diverse economy, with sectors such as healthcare, technology, and entertainment contributing to its prosperity. The county is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant cultural scene, attracting tourists and residents alike. Despite its modernization, Williamson County continues to honor its rich history and maintain a strong sense of community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Williamson County, Tennessee.

  • 1799 - Williamson County is established by the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • 1800 - The county's first courthouse is built in Franklin.
  • 1818 - The Battle of Franklin takes place during the War of 1812.
  • 1830s - The county's economy revolves around agriculture, particularly cotton and tobacco.
  • 1861-1865 - Williamson County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1868 - Freedmen's Bureau established in Franklin to assist newly freed slaves.
  • 1874 - The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Tennessee, now known as the University of Tennessee, opens its doors in Nashville.
  • 1925 - Harlinsdale Farm, a renowned thoroughbred horse farm, is established in Franklin.
  • 1960s-1970s - Suburbanization begins as Franklin and other areas experience significant population growth.
  • 1997 - The Cool Springs Galleria, a large regional shopping mall, opens in Franklin.