The Battle of Franklin 147th Anniversary Reenactment, formerly known as Civil War Days, is set for Saturday and Sunday, October 15-16 at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm where visitors will get a glimpse into the life of a soldier during the Battle of Franklin, which was fought on November 30, 1864. This year’s event will be twice the size of last year with a battlefield twice as large and double the number of reenactors, which is estimated at approximately 700. The Battle of Franklin resulted in approximately 10,000 casualties over the course of five hours in what was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.
“As we look toward the Sesquicentennial of the Battle of Franklin in 2014, people have a renewed interest in the reenactments and living history events held in our community,” said Eric A. Jacobson, Chief Operating Officer of the Battle of Franklin Trust. “Hundreds of reenactors from around the nation are participating this year, and this event will be a great educational experience for families who want to better understand what happened here in 1864. These historic events markedly shaped our country.”
Federal and Confederate reenactment units will camp throughout the weekend at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm, and the public is encouraged to visit the encampments and learn more about what life was like for ordinary soldiers. Rifle and cannon displays, as well as artillery, cavalry and infantry demonstrations, will give visitors an up-close look at the implements of 19th century warfare and the order and execution of battle plans. Period sutlers will be on hand offering food and provisions of the era.
Large-scale reenactments of the battle will be held on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 1:30 p.m., and spectators can view the action from the hillside surrounding the battlefield. Visitors will get a sense of the scope of the combat, with Confederates making repeated frontal assaults against the well-fortified Federal lines. Live cannon fire and the cavalry’s display of horsemanship will help illustrate the drama of the battle.
Other special elements will offer something for everyone – children to adults, Civil War scholars to families enjoying a beautiful October weekend among the rolling hills of Harlinsdale Farm. The Factory at Franklin is the presenting sponsor of the event.
“It’s so vitally important for us as Americans to understand the sacrifice of these soldiers, their families and the townspeople – many of whom lost their loved ones during the four terrible years of war,” said Jacobson. “This happened right here in our backyard, so that our Union could be preserved and our country was able to become the greatest nation on the face of the Earth.”
Jacobson added, “Last year we expected 1,500 visitors, yet more than 4,000 attended the two day event. This year, we’re planning to accommodate more visitors by expanding the parking and ease of entering the grounds. We’re also increasing the number of food options for guests so they can plan on staying the full day.”
The Battle of Franklin Trust is coordinating the event, in partnership with the City of Franklin’s Civil War Commission, The Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County, Franklin’s Charge, Save the Franklin Battlefield and other preservation organizations. The event will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for spectators, with children under the age of 6 admitted free. The Park at Harlinsdale Farm is located at 239 Franklin Road in Franklin, Tennessee.
Reenactment units interested in participating should contact Joe Grosson, Chief of Staff, Cleburne’s Division of re-enactors at [email protected]. Reenactors can register by visiting www.franklin-stfb.org and scrolling down to the registration button.
The Battle of Franklin Trust is a 501 (c) 3 management corporation acting on behalf of Franklin’s battlefield sites to contribute to a greater understanding and enrich the visitor experience of the November 30, 1864 battle. It’s organized for the charitable and educational purposes of preserving, restoring, maintaining and interpreting the properties, artifacts and documents related to the battle so as to preserve an important part of the nation’s history. Learn more at www.battleoffranklintrust.org or call (615) 786-1864.
For more information on the Battle of Franklin 147th Anniversary, visit www.battleoffranklintrust.org.
