More Sites

Johnsonville

Johnsonville State Historic Park
New Johnsonville TN 37134
931-535-2789
 Road map 
Confederate Gen. N.B. Forrest attacked a large Union supply base here on the east bank of the Tennessee River Nov. 4–5, 1864, hoping to disrupt Union Gen. William T. Sherman’s activities in Georgia. Forrest set up artillery on the west bank of the river and bombarded the base. Union gunboats in the river, attempting to return fire, were disabled by Forrest’s well-placed guns. A fire started by Federal soldiers quickly got out of hand, eventually destroying $2.2 million in supplies. Forrest’s success did little to slow Sherman, however, who began his famous “March to the Sea” shortly afterward. Earthworks that once protected the base are preserved and open to the public. Site open 8 am–sunset. Hiking trail through historic area.

See also Nathan B. Forrest State Park on the west bank of the river.

Tennessee Civil War Railroad Driving Tour

U.S. 70 from New Johnsonville to Pegram, west of Nashville
Brochure available at area visitor centers, or call 931-296-4865
The tour follows the route of a railroad line constructed during the war giving the Union army a link between Nashville and the Tennessee River at Johnsonville. This critical Union supply line, constructed using former slaves, was vulnerable to Confederate raiders, so forts and blockhouses were built to protect it. Remains of some of the forts are visible.
A tour stop:
Humphreys County Museum and Civil War Fort
201 Fort Hill Drive, Waverly TN 37185
931-296-1099

Tullahoma Campaign

Following the battle of Stone’s River (ending Jan 2, 1863), Union Gen. William Rosecrans consolidated his position in Murfreesboro while his opponent Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg set up a defensive line near Tullahoma, blocking the route to Chattanooga. Despite frantic urgings from Washington, Rosecrans didn’t move against Bragg until June 24. But his campaign was conducted skillfully as well-armed Union cavalry spearheaded the Union offensive that constantly outmaneuvered Bragg, forcing the Confederates into a series of retreats. By the end of June, Bragg finally was forced to withdraw south of the Tennessee River, giving up all of Middle Tennessee and opening the door to Chattanooga.

A detailed driving tour brochure of the Tullahoma Campaign has been printed by the Tennessee Backroads Heritage Association. Highlights include historic buildings and the battles of Liberty and Hoover’s Gaps. Call 800-799-6131 for a free copy. See also the Tennessee Backroads website.

Beech Grove Confederate Cemetery Park
Near the intersection of I-24 and US 64
931-455-9500
   Interpretive kiosk with maps and other information describes the action at Hoover’s Gap where heavy rain and Confederate resistance delayed the Union advance. Open daily during daylight hours.

Pulaski

Giles County Visitor Center
110 N Second St, Pulaski TN 38478
 Road map 

Sam Davis Trail
Sam Davis was a young Confederate soldier carrying papers to Gen. Braxton Bragg in Chattanooga when he was captured near the Alabama border. After he refused to reveal the source of some of the information, Davis was tried as a spy and hanged in Pulaski, becoming a Confederate hero. A Trail brochure includes sites such as Davis capture and execution sites as well as information about other Civil War action in Giles County. A small museum near the monument open by appointment (call 931-363-3789 extension 22).
    To get a free copy of the brochure, visit the Pulaski visitor center, call 931-363-3789 extension 22, or email gctourism@gilescountytourism.com.

See also
Sam Davis Home in Smyrna
Tennessee State Museum – An exhibit features Davis and the shoe authorities cut off searching for documents is on display.
Tennessee State Capitol – A statue of Davis stands on the grounds.

Battle of Hartsville Driving Tour

615-374-9243, 615-374-3222
   Excellent tour covers sites associated with the Dec. 7, 1862, Confederate attack led by Gen. John H. Morgan against a Union garrison guarding a Cumberland River crossing here. Morgan’s cavalry quickly overwhelmed the Federals in the frosty early morning battle ending up capturing nearly 2,000 Union soldiers. The tour includes Morgan’s Cumberland River crossing and a memorial park with an interpreted trail telling about the battle.

Cumberland Valley Civil War Tour

Historic homes, cemeteries, river crossings, monuments, battlefields and other Civil War sites in the Cumberland Valley are highlighted. Included are sites in the towns of Lebanon, Rome, Carthage, Lafayette, Cedar Hill and Hartsville.

Website links to these places: Tennessee Links