Another date to remember: 141 years, four hours and about 100 yards separate my current lodgings from the very spot where Thomas J. Wood’s IV Corps started out from their trenches toward the Confederate lines half a mile away.
In two days of fighting the Federal Army shattered the Confederate Army of Tennessee, started them on their way entirely out of the state, ended the career of several generals and completely destroyed whatever lingering belief in the cause the Confederate soldier retained.
It was a very great victory.
Like many of the western battles the events are nigh forgotten and the land is gone.
Nashville is a genuine city now with accompanying interstates, housing developments, Wal-Marts and movie theatres.
Where Wood’s Corps started out is a large apartment complex. Where the Battle of Nashville monument was first erected is an interstate access ramp.
Sadly the two days fall on weekdays this year, leaving me less time than I’d like to go and visit in the daylight. But I’ll spend a few hours between fighting yuppies for Christmas goodies to see some of the sights and remember the lads.
It’s a hell of a thing to have to march into Tennessee, maybe right by your front door, and know it may be the last time. It’s a hell of a thing to tramp from Pennsylvania or Ohio or Michigan to Tennessee and know you may never get to see home again.
