On November 29, 1864, CSA Lieutenant General John Bell Hood’s Army of Tennessee attempted to block US Major General John M. Schofield’s retreat route to Nashville. His goal was to place his army across the Franklin-Columbia Turnpike at Spring Hill, Tennessee. As he approached Spring Hill, he was unaware that a portion of the Federal army was already there. The resulting “Affair at Spring Hill” would result in nearly 700 combined casualties as CSA Major General Patrick R. Cleburne’s Division faced off against two Federal brigades at Rally Hill. The action was inconclusive with the two belligerents holding their positions until darkness covered the battlefield. During the overnight hours, Schofield was able to sneak his entire army past the resting Rebels setting the stage for the sanguinary Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864.
I was able to visit Spring Hill on a recent business trip. I am fascinated with how the battlefield changes with the passage of time and seasons. Check out my short photo essay on Spring Hill by clicking HERE. There are some very nice pictures of Rippavilla Plantation and Rally Hill.
For additional information on the Affair at Spring Hill, check out my December 2009 article:
If you are interested in learning more about the Battle of Franklin, check out my January 2010 article:
For an exciting narrative on the Franklin-Nashville Campaign, listen to my interview with famed historian Thomas Y. Cartwright:
Thomas Y. Cartwright Interview on ThisMightyScourge.com
As always, please remember to support the Civil War Trust. They have saved nearly 200 acres of the Spring Hill Battlefield.
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I have enjoyed your site for some time and played your “editor” on one occasion. I noticed a short time back you slipped in and out of Seattle. I wish I would have known you were in the area. I would have enjoyed trying to meet you. I’m north across the county line in Mill Creek, just south of Everett. I was a History major in my undergraduate years (Linfield College 1962) and have been interested in the Civil War since high school. I also hold a MA in History (1976, Niagara University) and a MA in Military History (2008, Norwich University). I served in the Navy (1963-84), was a Surface Warfare Officer, and retired as a Lieutenant Commander. I enjoy your articles because you sometimes wander along the “side roads” and “back trails,” drawing attention to subjects that might otherwise be overlooked. Thank you for your efforts.
Gordon,
Thank you for your kind words. I am glad you enjoy my blog. Have a great day!
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