Second Battle of Franklin

Second Battle of Franklin Began: November 30, 1864 Ended: Same day Location: Williamson County, Tennessee Theater: Western Theater Campaign: Franklin-Nashville Campaign Outcome: Union victory Combatants IV and XXIII Army Corps Army of Tennessee Commanders John M. Schofield Major General, USA John B. Hood Lieutenant General, CSA Strength 27,000 27,000 Casualties 2,326 Killed: 189 Wounded: 1,033 Missing or captured: 1,104 6,262 Killed: 1,750 Wounded: 3,800 Missing or captured: 702

Having lost a good opportunity at Spring Hill to hurt significantly the Union Army, Gen. John B. Hood marched in rapid pursuit of Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield’s retreating Union army. Schofield’s advance reached Franklin about sunrise on November 30 and quickly formed a defensive line in works thrown up by the Yankees in the spring of 1863, on the southern edge of town. Schofield wished to remain in Franklin to repair the bridges and get his supply trains over them. Skirmishing at Thompson’s Station and elsewhere delayed Hood’s march, but, around 4:00 pm, he marshaled a frontal attack against the Union perimeter. Two Federal brigades holding a forward position gave way and retreated to the inner works, but their comrades ultimately held in a battle that caused frightening casualties. When the battle ceased, after dark, six Confederate generals were dead or had mortal wounds. Despite this terrible loss, Hood’s army, late, depleted and worn, crawled on toward Nashville. (NPS summary)