Pivotal Property at the Heart of Franklin Battlefield Preserved

Originally published November 2020 · p. 35

Pivotal Property at the Heart of Franklin Battlefield Preserved Key to park connectivity, public access, and Civil War education, a two-acre tract of land near downtown Franklin, Tenn. was acquired by the Friends of Franklin Parks and Battle of Franklin Trust, with financial assistance provided by the American Battlefield Trust. “This partnership is a win-win, not only for the organizations involved, but for the entire community,” said Torrey Barnhill, executive director of Friends of Franklin Parks. “Our Riverwalk and Trails Committee is constantly looking for ways to connect the dots, and this is a key parcel for a future trail system in the City of Franklin’s Master Greenways Plan. The Battle of Franklin Trust recognized its value from a historical standpoint, and we quickly came together to partner on the acquisition.” Being that the 2.3-acre parcel is largely located in a floodplain, it was less attractive to development—but prime for preservation. Battle of Franklin Trust CEO Eric Jacobson called it the last key undeveloped piece in the heart of Franklin available for preservation. “If we can preserve this as open space, interpret it for educational purposes, and connect to a trail system that facilitates more people having access to it, then it couldn’t be a more perfect opportunity,” said Jacobson, who brought the American Battlefield Trust to the table. Trust President James Lighthizer noted “With every acquisition, this battlefield becomes more whole, more well-interpreted, and more of a draw for those who want to learn about America’s past by visiting the places where those profound events occurred.”