Franklin’s Charge Inc., a local nonprofit devoted to the preservation of Franklin’s Civil War battlefield, completed a busy two-year period when it purchased on Friday, Nov. 22, the former site of the Sedberry Building at 1200 Columbia Ave.

The Sedberry Building is located near the Carter House State Historic Site and on core battlefield property. According to Eric Jacobson of the Battle of Franklin Trust, it was the location of some of the most ferocious fighting during the Nov. 30, 1864, Battle of Franklin.

Franklin’s Charge intends to demolish the Sedberry Building and return the property to its 1864 condition. Thereafter, the property will be transferred to the city of Franklin for incorporation into the Carter Hill Battlefield Park.

Over the past two years, Franklins’ Charge acquired two other properties of significant importance. In November 2021, Franklin’s Charge acquired two office building sites at 1224 Columbia Ave. After the buildings on those sites are removed, the acreage will be transferred to the city of Franklin and incorporated into the Carter Hill Battlefield Park.

This past summer, Franklin’s Charge acquired approximately 13 acres located adjacent to Roper’s Knob. This property will be donated by Franklin’s Charge to the city of Franklin. It will expand the overall protected property at Roper’s Knob, the site of a federal earthworks fort and signal station. The acreage purchased this summer will also be developed in the future into public access, parking, and trails to allow visitors to enjoy the fort and spacious views from atop Roper’s Knob.

Jim Lighthizer, former president of the American Battlefield Trust, has called Franklin’s battlefield reclamation efforts “a miracle” and among the most important and successful efforts in the country.

Clay Perry, president of Franklin’s Charge Inc., credits a team of volunteers and preservation partners for making this effort successful. In particular, Perry noted the support of the Washington, D.C.-based American Battlefield Trust, the Tennessee Historical Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, and the Tennessee Wars Commission.

Notable partners also include the city of Franklin, The Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, the Battle of Franklin Trust, Save the Franklin Battlefield Inc., Friends of Franklin Parks, the City of Franklin Parks Department, and a legion of never-failing generous donors who support battlefield preservation in Franklin.