Local Author Talk with Walter Green

Join us as local historian Walter Green discusses his recent book In the Shadow of My Enemy.
Thursday, June 18 at 6 pm
The Williamson County Public Library is located in downtown Franklin at 1314 Columbia Avenue.
During Franklin’s occupation, its citizens suffered, especially the women who were left to defend their homes and families. The Federals came and gave hope to the enslaved and Unionists, and imposed military rule, making life particularly hard for Whites who refused to sign the oath of loyalty to the Union. Those stubborn secessionists could face shortages of food and firewood, travel restrictions and even expulsion from the town. Franklin was occupied for three-and-a-half years, with Federal Fort Granger overlooking the town for most of that time. Many Blacks escaped to freedom in Nashville. Some white women spied and smuggled to assist the Confederacy. It seemed the worst of the war was over but then came the horrific Battle of Franklin and the unimaginable suffering of the dead and wounded men and animals and, yes, the residents, especially those who cared for the wounded.
This non-fiction book is the first one on the subject. It tells the stories of some of the residents—women and men, White and Black, loyal and secessionist. It contains maps, about 140 pictures and information regarding the Civil War-era structures that are still standing, and a well-researched list of structures that were used as temporary hospitals after the Battle of Franklin.
About the Author:
Walter is a retired professional civil-structural engineer turned historian who has written documents for use by the City of Franklin and for publication in the Journal of the Williamson County Historical Society. He has written about railroads and their importance to the Civil War. He lives in Franklin, which is a key location along the Nashville and Decatur Railroad.
Registration is required.