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Eastern Flank Park Celebration

 February 7, 2006

On February 7th, the City of Franklin hosted an event on the Eastern Flank property to celebrate the acquisition of 112 acres of core Franklin battlefield, and to publicly thank the many individuals and organizations that brought the project from dream to reality.

Franklin Mayor Tom Miller thanked the city staff and local preservationists, and served as master of ceremonies for the event. Rod Heller, previous owner of the land, thanked the Franklin Mayor and Aldermen for accepting his preservation challenge. Franklin's Charge's Julian Bibb spoke to the effects of some 500 citizens and groups, including STFB and its members, who donated to the project. Paul Hawke, director of the American Battlefield Preservation Project of the National Parks Service, thanked the community for their vision, and promised further funds to help develop the property to NPS standards. Finally, Doug Brouder, representing the Civil War Preservation Trust, spoke of the value of the land as a true memorial to the men, both North and South, who fought across the landscapes of Franklin.

A reception was held in the former country club, with almost the entire STFB board and numerous members in attendance. Later that evening, Franklin's Charge held a thank you reception across the field at Historic Carnton Plantation.