Battle of Nashville-Kelley's Point

   After the horrific losses in Franklin, Tennessee, Confederate General John Bell Hood followed the Union troops north towards Nashville. A line was established south of Nashville, from the Cumberland River on the west for 12 miles around to the Chattanooga Railroad tracks. This was the largest battlefield geographically in the Civil War. On December 2, 1864, the Confederates set up two artillery batteries at this point, now known as Kelley's Point, as well as a string of mines under the river in order to blockade the Cumberland and keep Union ships from reaching Nashville.

   Confederate Colonel David C Kelley led about 300 troops here. They managed to capture 2 supply ships and disabled a third. Skirmishes continued for days between the Confederate artillery and cavalry troops and Union gunboats. This was the only line of defense that the Confederates managed to hold during the Battle of Nashville. They only fell back to join other forces when they learned that the Belle Meade Plantation, the Confederate cavalry headquarters 3 miles from this location, had been overrun. They abandoned this position on December 15th to join the main defense near the Hillsboro Road.
   This location is now a small park and trail with historical markers next to Wal-Mart and Lowe's stores. You can also visit and tour Belle Meade Plantation nearby.