The Unknown Civil War Solider at Rest Haven Cemetery

Most cemeteries contain at least one mystery, and the Rest Haven Cemetery in Franklin, Tennessee, is no different. It contains the remains of an unknown Civil War soldier whose family and friends likely mourned him but never knew what exactly had happened to him.

However, beyond an unknown identity, there’s more to this mystery than meets the eye. Which side did the soldier fight for, Confederate or Union? And does it even matter?

To some, it might matter. It’s been over 150 years since the Civil War ended —or the War of Northern Aggression, as some people in the South refer to it. (Yes. Still. We’ve visited a few sites where guides invoke that moniker.)

If it was a Union soldier’s body in the grave, some who still consider themselves Confederates would definitely object. On the other hand, if he was Union, any remaining sympathizers might want him transferred to “friendlier” soil.

However, most recognize the American Civil War for what it was: a sad moment in our country’s history but also a defining one. And no matter what side someone fought on, it’s bad enough to suffer the indignity of their identity not being known. They should at least be laid to rest properly. Let’s see how the town of Franklin accomplished that.

The Body

In March 2009, workers discovered a body during a construction project in an area known to have been part of the Battle of Franklin. Forensic anthropologists were called in to see what they could determine about the body. They concluded the remains were that of a Civil War soldier, but of course there was no way to figure out who he was.

They also weren’t able to determine which side he’d fought for, as a plaque near the memorial explains.

The 19th-Century Funeral

On October 10, 2009, the soldier received a 19th-century funeral. Thousands of people lined the streets of downtown Franklin to pay their respects as a horse-drawn caisson delivered the body to Rest Haven Cemetery.

Visit Franklin used to have a page on their site with the story about the solider’s grave, but it’s not there anymore. However, it explained how “re-enactors fired a 21-gun salute and visitors from 18 states that were represented in the Battle of Franklin poured dirt from their home states on the coffin.”

An Upcycled Memorial

Another cool thing about the unknown soldier’s memorial is what it’s made from. It’s upcycled from columns and other architectural relics that once surrounded Tennessee’s state capital.

The Buttons

There is reason to suspect the body could be a Union soldier. A lot of buttons that belonged to Union uniforms were found near his body. From what I understand, his clothes had long-since disintegrated, though, so that didn’t provide any clues. The location of the buttons didn’t provide definite evidence either. It’s a mystery that will likely remain unsolved —or undisclosed.

I personally feel they know the answer but are keeping it confidential for harmony’s sake. Because let’s face it. People are crazier than ever. As mentioned above, some would take exception to a Union soldier being interred in a fashion like the Unknown Soldier in Rest Haven.

For More Info

It’s pretty easy to spot the Unknown Civil War Solider memorial in Rest Haven Cemetery. Just look for the big Greek column in the center of the cemetery.

Check-In

Have you ever visited Franklin, TN?