by Zachary Harmuth
The historic Lotz House on Columbia Avenue in Franklin will unveil so-far-unseen relics to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Franklin.
The first, a rare signature of CSA Major General Patrick Cleburne, will be open to the public and put on display on March 16th, which was the general’s birthdate.
“The sesquicentennial is such an historic time we want to create our own history and work toward preserving rare items as we commemorate the occasion,” J.T Thompson, Lotz House executive director, said.
He said Cleburne’s story moves people, as he was highly regarded by friend and foe in life and death. He died at the age of 36 in Franklin.
“We are glad to open this opportunity to our visitors,” Thompson added.
The event is free and begins at 4 p.m.
Thomas Y. Cartwright, a leading civil war historian who has appeared in documentaries on various television networks, will be there to share interesting facts and stories about Cleburne, who he considers to have been one of the best generals in the western Confederacy.
More items will be unveiled in July, September and November.
