- (August 2007) FRANKLIN, Tenn. - Franklin's Charge, a private group of historical and preservation groups, received a major boost in its efforts to pay off debt incurred in a Battle of Franklin land preservation effort. The State of Tennessee's Heritage Conservation Trust Fund approved a contribution of $900,000.

The funds will greatly assist the group in paying off its share of a $5 million purchase of 110 acres of core battlefield. The City of Franklin had previously paid $2.5 million, leaving Franklin's Charge responsible for the rest. The former golf course property was saved before it could be developed into residential properties in the rapidly growing town south of Nashville. The Confederate Army's right flank charged over this land when Gen. John Bell Hood ordered the 1864 frontal assault which virtually destroyed the Army of Tennessee.

Robert Hicks, Franklin's Charge co-chairman, noted that what had begun with a few individuals became a project involving hundreds who contributed in many different ways.

"Truth is, Franklin's Charge didn't win with this gift from the state of Tennessee, all of Tennessee won," he said. The efforts at Franklin, for years better known for destruction of its historical sites than preservation, has garnered national attention and had a direct impact on local heritage tourism.

Officials at Carnton House, the plantation home that adjoins the old golf course land and home of the Confederate Cemetery, reports record attendance this year, as do Franklin's other major historical sites.

Dalton, Ga., resident Robert Jenkins, a descendant of a Confederate soldier who came across the eastern flank land during the battle, said, "I am pleased to see the continued great work that is being done to preserve battlefield property in Franklin."

A recent conference highlighting battlefield preservation attracted almost 200 history enthusiasts of all levels and walks. One of them was Alice Richardson from Central Point, Ore. "I have heard a lot about what is going on in Franklin so I decided to go check it out," she said, noting that her late husband was involved in Civil War history and got her into it.

The conference included lectures, tours and a living history encampment on the preserved land, where reenactors drilled and answered questions about soldiers and life in the field. Not everyone was happy. Some residents complained to the city about cannon fire.

Plans are being considered for an event next year involving more of Middle Tennessee.

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