New Tennessee Veterans Place of Honor adjoins Parker’s Crossroads Battlefield Park

By Gregory L. Wade · Originally published November 2018 · p. 7

Battlefield well just outside the cemetery entrance.

PARKER’S CROSSROADS, Tenn.—A new acre Tennessee veterans cemetery situated on the greater Parker’s Crossroads Battlefield has been officially opened along Interstate 40 halfway between Nashville and Memphis. The new facility lies on the north side of the interstate almost adjoining the Parker’s Crossroad Battlefield Park. Several state and federal dignitaries, including Tennessee’s Governor Bill Haslam, spoke at the dedication. “It took several Federal, state and local partners to make this vision a reality for Tennessee’s veterans, but it is rewarding to see this breathtaking facility opened, Haslam said.” The Battle of Parker’s Crossroads occurred Dec. 31, 1862, between forces commanded by Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest and federal brigades led by General Jeremiah Sullivan. After his command was surrounded, Forrest uttered a now famous order, “charge them both ways;” they did and were able to escape the trap. Tennessee State Representative Steve McDaniel led the effort to save the battle ground with the first 56 acres purchased in 2001. The park is now comprised of 350 acres and a state of the art visitor center. He noted there was no major fighting on the new site but troops did fill their canteens within a few feet of the cemetery entrance. Next to the veterans cemetery is the Jones Cemetery which has many of the area’s first residents including Unionist Reverend John Parker who was so upset with federal artillery emplaced in his yard he immediately changed his allegiance to the Confederacy. The new facility’s construction began in 2016 with funding of almost six million dollars from the National Cemetery Administration and is expected to serve 45,000 veterans. The first burial took place this past July. McDaniel noted, “I knew this area would serve as a perfect home for the state’s newest cemetery, not only because of the rich military history, but because of the close knit community.” U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Under Secretary Randy Reeves noted the new facility will assist Tennessee veterans “with access to a burial option within 75 miles of their home” which is one of the agency’s strategic goals. Other speakers at the dedication included Tennessee

Department of Veterans Service, Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder and U.S. Congressman Marsha Blackburn. Blackburn noted “Parkers Crossroads is treasured for its deep military history going back to the Civil

Aerial view of Parkers Crossroads new cemetery. (Courtesy Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs.)

War” and there is “no better place to pay our respects.” Veterans interested in burial at this facility can contact the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services/State Veterans Cemeteries. (Greg L. Wade)

Battlefield interpretative marker just outside new cemetery entrance.

(Greg L. Wade)