Shy's Hill

Originally called Compton’s Hill, Shy’s Hill is named for Confederate Lieutenant-Colonel William L. Shy, a Williamson County native and the commander of the 20th Tennessee Infantry Regiment. He died while attempting to hold the line on this hill on December 16, 1864.

The fighting on Shy’s Hill took place on December 16, and proved to be the crushing blow to the Confederacy’s efforts to retake Nashville. The day before, Confederate troops were forced back to present-day Harding Pike forming a fish-hook like line. The western flank of the Confederate forces centered around this area. The divisions of William B. Bates (facing north) and John C. Brown (facing west and south) of Cheatham’s Corps—occupied this hillside.

Positioned a mere 600 yards away, the Federal 23rd and 16th Corps prepared for battle at the bottom of the hill. Additionally, portions of Wilson’s Federal Cavalry Corps lay in wait at the southern base. Confederate forces held the high ground but entrenching in the dark led to a crucial mistake in the defenses. The trench line was on the true crest of the hill instead of the military crest, meaning that the defenders would be unable to see the attackers until they were immediately upon them.

Around 4:15 pm, General John McArthur, of the 1st Division of the 16th Corps, received orders to take the hill. McArthur’s troops stormed up the hill followed by other Federal brigades. The fighting atop the hill was brief but violent and a decisive victory for the Federal Army. The collapse of the Confederate line atop Shy’s Hill led to a general route of the Army of Tennessee. While sporadic fighting continued, the Confederate defeat at the Battle of Nashville shattered John Bell Hood’s Army of Tennessee, and effectively ended the war in the state. The cannon and markers memorialize the event. The monument at the base of the hill commemorates the role of the four Minnesota Regiments in the fighting.

Only a few miles from Shy’s Hill and just off of Franklin Road on Farrell Parkway is Travellers Rest Plantation. This early Middle Tennessee home to Judge John Overton served as the headquarters for Confederate General John Bell Hood from December 1 to 15, 1864. Travellers Rest is open daily for guided tours. 

Follow Benton Smith Road back to Harding Place and turn RIGHT, then turn LEFT onto Granny White Pike. Your next stop is about 2 miles ahead on your left. Turn LEFT onto Clifton Lane to park at the Battle of Nashville Monument Park.