Triune Reenactment Near Franklin, Tenn.
By Gregory L. Wade · Originally published June 2016 · p. 34
TRIUNE, Tenn.—On the weekend of April 16, 17 in Triune, Tennessee, the sound of gunfire and cannon erupted, in a recent observance of the December 31, 1862 fighting in the area that was part of the Stone’s River campaign in Murfreesboro, about ten miles east. During the Civil War, the community of Triune was thriving with several schools, churches and large successful plantations. When the Federals occupied the community much of the town was burned and for decades and it did not return to its prewar prosperity. Because of Triune’s location at a highway crossroads that leads to Nashville, Franklin and Murfreesboro, thousands of federal troops occupied the area maintaining control of these critical routes south of Nashville. The Battle of Triune reenactment depicted action when a detachment from Confederate General Braxton Bragg’s Army encountered a federal patrol from the Triune post resulting in a sharp fight with the Confederates being repulsed. The reenactment was held on ground where actual fighting occurred along the Arrington Creek, much of it not changed from its 1860’s appearance. Murfreesboro’s Rob Dunbar participated as a Confederate infantryman and noted: “the charge Sunday was one of the best yet.” In recent years, the area has been rediscovered, as growth from Franklin and north from Nashville has resulted in several upscale residential neighborhoods near the modern highway crossroads. The event was held on the land adjacent to an area known as King’s Chapel for a restored antebellum church that still stands as part of a growing new community. Sutlers, artillery, cavalry and infantry from Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama brought the sound of artillery and gunfire to local residents, many who turned out to join the reenactors for a dinner on Saturday night. Spectators enjoyed the perfect weather and event organizer Corry of Time Capsule Ministries said “we a had well attended and successful weekend.” Corry preached on Sunday in the King’s Chapel for the public and reenactors, just before the weekend’s final battle.
(Christa Hoover)
