The First battle of Franklin, Tennessee, on April 10, 1863, is little known compared to the larger and more well-known combat in the same place in 1864. But the first combat between Union General Gordon Granger and Confederate General Earl Van Dorn is noteworthy for its dramatic endings and deft maneuvers.
What Led to the First Battle of Franklin?
By the early months of 1863, the American Civil War was well underway, and Tennessee had become a very important theater of operations both for Union and Confederate armies. In the operations that Confederate soldiers were undertaking in Middle Tennessee, one of the aims was to seize crucial communication links and subvert Union control.
Immediately after the successful raid on Brentwood, General Earl Van Dorn started a movement of his Confederate cavalry from Spring Hill north into Franklin in an attempt to determine the number of Union troops on hand and execute a reconnaissance that might result in a more substantial contact.
For this purpose, the Union detailed Major General Gordon Granger to protect the countryside around Franklin. This place was situated in a strategic manner near the Harpeth River. Granger then disposed of his troops in and around the town to repel the advance of the rebels. Among the participating units were the 4th U.S. Cavalry, commanded by Brigadier General David S. Stanley.
The Clash at Franklin: April 10, 1863
As Van Dorn’s cavalry moved down Lewisburg Pike toward Franklin, it encountered Union skirmishers. Despite initial successes by Van Dorn’s men, the Union artillery at Fort Granger-on top of a hill overlooking Franklin-checked their further advance.
The misunderstanding was further heightened when a dummy report of an assault on the adjoining town of Brentwood was received, upon which Granger dispatched most of his cavalry north. As soon as the truth was known, Granger ordered a counterattack. In a daring assault, Brigadier General Stanley crossed the Harpeth River at Hughes’s Ford and assailed the Confederate rear, capturing Freeman’s Tennessee Battery on the Lewisburg Road.
But he was driven away by the capable Confederate commander Nathan Bedford Forrest under Van Dorn, who counterattacked and recovered the lost battery.
Because of this rear surprise attack that made the key to battle in favor of the Union, Van Dorn fell back to Spring Hill. This little fight, even though pretty restricted in scope, represented an important victory for the Union forces, helping further solidify their control over Middle Tennessee.
Aftermath and Significance of the Battle
In all, there were 237 casualties resulting from the First Battle of Franklin: 100 Union and 137 Confederate. While not a distinct success, because of the ability to stop Van Dorn’s men, the Union was able to hold onto the control of the crucial region that surrounded Franklin.
The battle also demonstrated the factionalism present in the leadership of the Confederacy. The growing discontent that had permeated the ranks in the Confederacy manifested in the actions of Van Dorn, condemned by several of his subordinates, including Forrest.
Van Dorn died a sad death, however, at the hand of his jealous husband after only a month and not due to battle. Dr. George Peters shot Van Dorn to death in Spring Hill out of the belief the man was having an affair with his wife. His death created a leadership vacuum in the Confederate cavalry, removing a recognizable commander from the conflict.
The Battlefield Today
The remains of this pivotal battle remain to this day a tourist destination in Franklin, Tennessee. General Granger’s monument, Fort Granger, is still an important landmark to this day. The fort was constructed in 1862 and served as not only a defensive stronghold but also a provider of crucial artillery support during the battle.
Fort Granger, which is in Pinkerton Park, provides insight into the strategic positioning that eventually gave the Union troops the upper hand in most aspects of the war. The site continues to this day to be one of the tourist destinations as Tennessee remembers its part in the Civil War era.
Why the First Battle of Franklin Matters
The First Battle of Franklin was not as critical compared to any other Civil War turning point battles. However, the battle was of great importance in the Union’s deliberate defense of Middle Tennessee. The men of Van Dorn were defeated, and at the same time, the Union had control over some very important communication and transportation channels. It set the stage for later campaigns like the Battle of Nashville.
It is a bloody strike, illustrating, as it does, the complexity of the Civil War leadership. The pet peeves Forrest had and the personal frailties of Van Dorn speak to some of the challenges which faced Confederate commanders.
FAQs About the First Battle of Franklin, TN
Q: What was the significance of the First Battle of Franklin in 1863?
A: Though a minor skirmish, it was important in maintaining Union control over Middle Tennessee and showcased internal Confederate leadership challenges.
Q: Who led the Confederate forces in the First Battle of Franklin?
A: Major General Earl Van Dorn led the Confederate forces during the engagement.
Q: How many casualties were there in the First Battle of Franklin?
A: There were a total of 237 casualties—100 Union soldiers and 137 Confederate soldiers.
Q: What role did Fort Granger play in the battle?
A: Fort Granger provided crucial artillery support to the Union forces, helping repel the Confederate attack.
Q: Can you visit the First Battle of Franklin battlefield today?
A: Yes, Fort Granger and surrounding areas in Franklin, TN, can be visited as part of Tennessee’s Civil War history sites.
Conclusion
First Battle of Franklin, Tennessee, indeed is an important engagement that took place during the American Civil War. Driving off Van Dorn’s men, the Union army was able to retain Middle Tennessee and conduct further operations. This battlefield still remains in memory for the soldiers that fought and also the tactics that determined how the war turned out.
Whether a person is a history buff or merely one who can pass by, the account of this combat in April 1863, including figures like Henry Bakeman, gives intriguing insights into the dynamics of war, leadership, and personal conflicts that alter the course of history.
