Confederate Redoubt No. 1

Theoretically, the lines of the besieging Confederates stretched from near Lebanon Pike on the eastern side to the Cumberland River on the west. However, only a thin line of cavalry pickets and a few artillery pieces covered the area from Hillsboro Pike westward toward Charlotte Pike. The majority of the Confederate troops occupied a series of entrenched lines and redoubts along Hillsboro Pike and stretching eastward to Granbury’s Lunette. We just left the eastern side of the Battle of Nashville, now let’s visit sites extending along Hillsboro Pike to Franklin Pike.

On December 1, 1864, General John Bell Hood led the Confederate Army to Nashville from Franklin. Here, they constructed a series of log and earthen redoubts. The redoubts would serve as advanced positions for artillery and infantry designed to strengthen the main Confederate lines. Over 150 years later, you stand at Redoubt No. 1. It remains the most intact; however, on your way to our next stop, you’ll pass similar fortifications. Keep an eye out for Redoubt No. 5 on Hillsboro Pike, which is marked by a historical marker.

When General Steedman’s troops attacked Granbury’s Lunette on the morning of December 15, the stage was set for the assault on the strongest points of the Confederate lines including the redoubts. By mid-morning, Federal troops from the 16th Corps under Major General Andrew Jackson Smith swung out wide to the west and south of the Confederate line, hitting Redoubts No. 4 and No. 5. As the 16th Corps advanced north toward Redoubts No. 2 and No. 3, Brigadier General Thomas J. Wood moved the 4th Corps from Montgomery Hill toward Redoubt No. 1.

Federal commander, General George Thomas watched the Union Army’s progress from Montgomery Hill, located a half mile north of here—near Interstate 440. Meanwhile, some Nashvillians gathered on high ground just outside the city. There they witnessed the battle and carnage of war. 

By 4:00 pm this redoubt—which formed the “corner” of the Confederate defensive line—was captured by both Smith’s and Wood’s Corps. Historians dispute which troops arrived first, but either way this area was transformed into a field hospital. Confederate troops fell back to Shy’s Hill, our next stop, where the battle continued into the next day.

Continue straight ahead on Benham Avenue, then turn RIGHT onto Stokes Lane and RIGHT onto Hopkins Street. Take another RIGHT onto Woodmont Boulevard and at the light, turn LEFT onto Hillsboro Pike. For the next two miles, this road follows the path of the Confederate redoubts before the Battle of Nashville. After passing St. Paul School Road look to your right to see a marker for Redoubt #5. At the light, turn LEFT onto Harding Place, then turn RIGHT onto Shy’s Hill Road. Continue around the loop, turning LEFT onto Benton Smith Road. Your next stop will be on your left approx. 300 ft. before Harding Place. The historical marker is next to a trailhead that is accessible to the public. Please remain conscious of driveways and private property in this residential area.