Nestled in the heart of Williamson County, Tennessee, lies the charming city of Franklin. Known for its Civil War battles and vibrant downtown, Franklin has a rich and varied history that is sure to fascinate locals and visitors alike. In this blog post, we will explore some of the surprising stories from the history of Franklin that you may not have known before. From the first settlers to the present day, there is no shortage of fascinating tales to discover in this historic Tennessee town.
Franklin was once the state capital of Tennessee
Most people probably associate Nashville with being the capital of Tennessee, but did you know that Franklin held this title as well? From 1790 to 1805, Franklin was the capital of the Southwest Territory, which later became the state of Tennessee. During this time, the territorial legislature met in Franklin’s courthouse, which is still standing and is now home to the Lotz House Museum.
Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest made a daring escape in Franklin
One of the most famous battles of the Civil War took place in Franklin on November 30, 1864. Confederate soldiers under the command of General John Bell Hood launched a fierce attack on Union troops commanded by General John Schofield. The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, and Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest was nearly killed. However, he made a daring escape by riding his horse over the bodies of fallen soldiers and jumping a picket fence.
The Natchez Trace ran straight through downtown Franklin
Before there were highways and interstates, there was the Natchez Trace. This ancient trail ran from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, and was used by Native Americans, traders, and settlers for hundreds of years. In Franklin, the Natchez Trace ran straight through what is now the downtown area. Today, a replica of the original trail marker stands on Public Square as a reminder of Franklin’s historic past.
The Battle of Franklin inspired a classic novel
One of the most famous novels about the Civil War, “The Red Badge of Courage” by Stephen Crane, was inspired by the Battle of Franklin. Crane was not present for the battle, but he wrote his novel based on accounts that he heard from survivors. “The Red Badge of Courage” is a powerful and emotional portrayal of the horrors of war, and it is widely regarded as one of the greatest American novels ever written.
Franklin played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement
In the 1960s, Franklin was a hotbed of civil rights activity. Local activists, including Dr. James H. Johnson, worked tirelessly to bring about change and end segregation in Franklin and Williamson County. Their efforts culminated in the desegregation of Franklin High School in 1968. Today, Franklin is a diverse and vibrant community that celebrates its past while embracing the future.
From its early days as a territorial capital to its pivotal role in the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, Franklin, Tennessee, has a rich and varied history that is unlike any other city in the country. Whether you are a local or just visiting, take some time to explore the fascinating stories and landmarks that make Franklin such a special place to live and visit. Who knows what other hidden gems you might discover along the way?
