"Tried in the Fire"

Staunchly pro-Confederate Williamson County raised several large regiments in the spring of 1861. But after the fall of Nashville in February 1862, Federal regiments quickly occupied the region. They suppressed hostile Confederate sympathizers and seized buildings for hospitals, barracks, and supply deports. Local Confederate supporter Mary Pearre wrote," A Federal force is at Franklin. Cavalry are scouting all over the country, stealing money, clothes, foraging, pressing horses and capturing 'Secesh' soldiers." Troops sometimes commandeered slaves to help build fortifications, including Fort Granger.

By February 12, 1863, the first Federal regiment arrived to construct Fort Granger. Led by Col. Emerson Opdycke, the 125th Ohio Volunteer Infantry soon found supporters among the county's quiet Unionist population, including Franklin native Dr. Daniel B. Cliffe and his wife.

Emboldened by the Federal army's protection, local Unionists held a rally for Union and Restoration in Franklin at the courthouse.

"The speakers included William Parsons Brownlow, Governor Andrew Johnson, Judge John S. Brien, and U.S. Col. L.G. Houck... Our Union friends in Williamson, who have been tried in the fire, are greatly encouraged and feel hopeful. ...After the speaking was over ... Maj. Fitzgibbon, of the 14th



Michigan, so deservingly popular with our citizens, captured us and carried us off to his delightful quarters at Fort Granger where we were served enough rations of excellent food. ... In company with a large delegation from this place, escorted by General Granger, we visited Fort Granger, one of the strongest and finest fortifications in the department (sic) of the Cumberland. ... General Granger gave the company an exhibition of his skill in gunning by firing two splendid shots from a monster Parrott gun, at a target over a mile distant."
The Nashville Daily Union, August 22, 1863 — Courtesy Tennessee State Library & Archives

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