Wednesday, July 24, 2019

'Hidden' Battle of Nashville: U.S.C.T at Peach Orchard Hill


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On Dec. 16, 1864, U.S. Colored Troops formed here for the assault on the extreme right flank of the Army of Tennessee's defense line atop Peach Orchard Hill. As explained in the video, this site -- like most of the Nashville battlefield -- was developed long ago. In the attack, the 13th U.S.C.T. suffered more than 200 casualties, including the loss of five color-bearers. “I never saw more heroic conduct exhibited by this body of men so recently slaves,” an Ohio officer recalled.

No marker here trumpets the valor of U.S.C.T. at Battle of Nashville. In fact, no marker anywhere in the city commemorates U.S.C.T. service during the two-day battle.

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3 comments:

  1. Ggus4:57 PM

    Thanks John. The last time I visited Nashville I wanted to see the battlefield. I was disappointed there isn’t much that remains.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Todd Berkoff10:13 PM

    The USCT's fought in James Steedman's Division on the US left flank/CS right flank against Overton Hill. I'm assuming this action you describe is near Overton Hill?

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  3. Todd Berkoff10:17 PM

    In Thomas Wood's report of these attacks he stated: "After the repulse, our soldiers, white and colored, lay indiscriminately near the enemy works at the outer edge of the abatis."

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