Union forces under Major General John M. Schofield retreated toward Nashville before Hood's forces. Schofield stopped at Franklin on November 30 and deployed his soldiers in earthen defenses that had been constructed the prior year. The ensuing fight was distinguished by valiant Confederate soldiers hoping to erase the memories of continual retreat under Johnston. Confederate casualties numbered 6,300 and the Union 2,300. Nevertheless, the Confederates pushed on toward Nashville.
Following Franklin, Union forces were supplemented in Nashville by soldiers under George Thomas. Feverish work was done to strengthen area defenses before Thomas attacked on December 15. The following day the confederates were forced from the field and began a retreat toward Mississippi. Many of those defeated soldiers returned home, ending their participation in the conflict.
The battles at Franklin and Nashville eliminated Confederate military influence in Tennessee.
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Background Information
William Tecumseh Sherman fought a war of destruction in Georgia, aimed at destroying the South's will and ability to fight. The Battles of Franklin and Nashville were part of the Tennessee campaign in 1864. Tennessee represented the western frontier at the time of the Revolution and was a border state in the Confederacy during the Civil War.