On Sunday, March 11th at 3 P.M., the Franklin Civil War Round Table will host author, archivist and historian Myers Brown who will present a program on Union General John Wilder

Federal General John Wilder and his “Lightning Brigade” of mounted infantry equipped with Spencer repeating rifles had a great impact on the war in Middle Tennessee. At the Battle of Hoovers Gap near Tullahoma, the effect of the “repeaters” forced a rethinking by both armies on how to arm their troops. Wilder played a key role at the battle of Chickamauga and his troops also made a brief appearance in Franklin.

After the war Wilder served as the mayor of Chattanooga and was known as a leader of the “reconciliation movement” promoting peace and unity. He also played a large role in the establishment of the Chickamauga National Park.

A native of Old Hickory, Tennessee, Brown received his B.A. in History from Oglethorpe University and his M.A. in Public History from Middle Tennessee State University. He is a Fellow and a former Governor of the Company of Military Historians and has served on several boards related to historic preservation in Tennessee.

Prior to joining the Tennessee State Library and Archives, Brown served as curator with the Tennessee State Museum, the Alabama Historical Commission and as Curator of Military History at the Atlanta History Center. He has authored several books and served as editor of the Best of the Tennessee Historical Quarterly, Volume 5.

Brown is an adjunct professor at Goodpasture Christian School and has taught at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Cumberland University and Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin

The event is free to the public. The Franklin Civil War Round Table is an educational program of Franklin’s Charge, and meets each month at Carnton Plantation's Fleming Center, 1345 Eastern Flank Circle. For more information, email fcwrt@yahoo.com, or visit http://www.franklinscharge.org/the-round-table.