6th Cavalry Division Ambush?
This is a simulation of the sunset December 15th, 1864 about 4 pm during the Battle of Nashville. The cover of the sun on the horizon would have been a tactical advantage to the defending Confederate Cavalry on the high ground on Charlotte Pike near Bell’s Mill and Davidson’s Place.
Battle of Nashville Google Earth Simulation from Athens-South Productions on Vimeo.
Brig. Gen. Richard W. Johnson US Army
- 1st Brigade: Col. Thomas J. Harrison
16th Illinois; 5th Iowa*; 7th Ohio - 2nd Brigade: Col. James Biddle
14th Illinois; 6th Indiana; 8th Michigan; 3rd Tennessee - Artillery: Battery I 4th U.S. (Frank G. Smith)
“The General commanded on 15-16 Dec 1864, at the Battle of Nashville. After the first night of battle, he stayed in the house of Mrs. Bass, on the extreme right side of the line, and pushed the Confederates back eight miles. The next day, they pushed into the town of Franklin, the first Division to reach Franklin. This claim is disputed by other accounts and claims by other units. However, Johnson’s units were closest and moving fast and it appears highly likely that they were indeed the first to enter Franklin. Johnson stayed in Pulaski as commander of the district known as Middle Tennessee, with offices and quarters in the house of Mr. Jones, an attorney and a member of the Confederate States Congress. He was transferred to Murfreesboro on 1 Jul 1864, arriving on July 3 rd where he served as Provost Marshall on General Thomas’ staff and shortly afterward as Judge Advocate General under Thomas. He was brevetted a Brigadier General in the regular army and a Major General in the volunteers.” …read more
Kelley’s Point Virtual Tour
The 5th Iowa was a favorite target of sniper Jack Hinson.
