Arkansas

At the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864, the Army of Tennessee suffered its most tragic chapter. Arkansas infantry units there were battle-hardened veterans who knew the enemy they faced and the strength of its defenses, and at Franklin their honor, valor, patriotism, devotion to duty, and spirit of self-sacrifice were evident. Arkansas troops included Gen. Daniel C. Govan’s Brigade, with the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 15th, 19th, and 24th Arkansas Infantry, and Gen. Daniel H. Reynold’s Brigade, with the 4th, 9th, and 25th Arkansas Infantry. Gen. Daniel C. Govan said, “Not many of us will get back to Arkansas,” and Gen Patrick R. Cleburne said, “If we are to die, let us die like men.” Gen. William J. Hardee later declared that where this division defended, no odds broke its line, and where it attacked, no numbers resisted its onslaught, save only once, where Cleburne’s grave lay.

Franklin, Tennessee · United States