"We cannot overestimate their noble and heroic deeds. Every American citizen should feel pride in cherishing the memory of the gallant men who stormed the works at Franklin, as well as those who defended them."
- Captain James Dinkins
PHOTO CREDIT: OLIVIA STELTER
This weekend we commemorate the 154th anniversary of the Battle of Franklin where 10,000 men were left dead, dying, or wounded, including six generals, in a battle that lasted only five hours. Having been raised in Franklin, Tennessee, among the historic homes and plantations scarred with bullet holes, vast battlefields and cemeteries, witness trees and stories of the rivers running red, the battle of Franklin and the entire American Civil War is very real to me.
THE CONFEDERATE CEMETERY AT CARNTON PLANTATION
As a child I felt immense sadness for Tod Carter, a neighbor born a century before who enlisted in the 20th Tennessee regiment of the Confederacy to defend his home and beloved south. He served bravely for four years, including that fateful day on November 30, 1864, when he was mortally wounded in the Battle of Franklin taking place in his own backyard.
THE CARTER HOUSE
The cannons boomed. Thousands of men marched and clashed. Men and horses fell under the rain of bullets and shrapnel. The Rebels yelled. It was deafening and it was frightening. Some civilians ran to help the dying and wounded. Most sought safety and protection, and hid out of panic and fear.
When the fighting ceased, his family emerged from the basement of a neighboring house, found Tod on the battlefield, and brought him home for the first time since he enlisted. Two days later Tod Carter passed away in his own bed. He was only 24 years old.
CAPT. TOD CARTER
