(Franklin, Tenn.) ---December 2, 2010---The Battle of Franklin Trust will unveil the bullet that killed Confederate soldier, Theodrick “Tod” Carter, which was lodged in his skull during the Battle of Franklin November 30, 1864. During a ceremony today, marking the anniversary of Tod’s death, Carter Conway, Tod’s great-great nephew will donate the artifact to the Battle of Franklin Trust to be displayed at The Carter House. Conway’s wife Ann, his daughter, grandchildren and several cousins from the Carter family will be in attendance during the ceremony. The bullet will be encased along with Tod’s spurs tomorrow afternoon, showcasing the two available mementos of Tod Carter – in life – and in death. Moscow Carter, Tod’s oldest brother gave the bullet to his daughter, who then gave it to her daughter to save for son Conway until he became of age.
When speaking about the announcement, Joanna Stephens, curator for the Battle of Franklin Trust said, “We are grateful to the Carter family for sharing this extraordinary piece of Civil War history with us—this truly is historically significant. It provides us with a tangible ending to the inspirational, yet tragic story of Tod Carter.”
"It has great historic value, in my opinion. It's something that I ought not leave around," Conway said during an interview.
Captain Tod Carter was the middle son of the Carter family. He was serving as an aid for General T.B. Smith on the battlefield during the Battle of Franklin. Amid the combat, Tod saw his home for the first time in more than three years and cried out, “Follow me boys, I’m almost home.” He did not make it. He was mortally wounded and found on the battlefield approximately 175 yards from his home by his father and two sisters. He was taken into the Carter home, and treated the following day. Tod died on December 2, 1864. He was 24 years old.
The bullet, which is known as a Williams cleaner, will be on permanent display at The Carter House. Elijah Williams invented this type of bullet which was intended to clean the barrel of muzzle loading rifles and prevent them from fouling during combat. When the bullet was fired it was meant to clean residue from the barrel.
The Carter House is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors over 65 and $6 for children between the ages of six and 12. Children under six are free. Tours of the grounds are $5. A value ticket is available for $28 which includes guided tours of The Carter House, Carnton Plantation and the Lotz House.
Built in 1830 by Fountain Branch Carter, The Carter House is nationally known for its role in the Civil War. The house was caught in the center of the Battle of Franklin and still bears the scars of the battle, with more than 1,000 bullet holes still visible. The Visitor’s Center includes a new video presentation, military museum and museum shop. The Carter House hosts various annual events with re-enactors as well as the annual Candlelight Tour in early December.
The Battle of Franklin Trust is a 501 (c) 3 management corporation acting on behalf of Franklin’s battlefield sites to contribute to a greater understanding and enrich the visitor experience of the November 30, 1864 battle. It’s organized for the charitable and educational purposes of preserving, restoring, maintaining and interpreting the properties, artifacts and documents related to the battle so as to preserve an important part of the nation’s history. Learn more at www.battleoffranklintrust.org or call (615) 786-1864.