FRANKLIN, Tenn. – The Battle of Franklin Trust, along with City of Franklin, will host a public event to unveil historic markers to begin telling the “Fuller Story” at the Public Square in historic downtown Franklin.
The “Fuller Story” initiative was conceived by three pastors, Hewitt Sawyers, Dr. Chris Williamson and Dr. Kevin Riggs, and historian Eric A. Jacobson. The “Fuller Story” intends to commemorate the African American experience in Franklin and Middle Tennessee.
“I am so proud to be part of this effort. The stories told by these interpretive markers have always been part of our shared history and it is time we are honest with the past, said Eric A. Jacobson, CEO of the Battle of Franklin Trust. “The Fuller Story is, in many ways, the story of America. I applaud the pastors for their leadership and our friends all over Franklin for their support and steadfast commitment.”
The markers tell the stories of the African American experience before, during and after the Civil War. Eventually, a bronze statue of a U.S. Colored Soldier will be placed on the square near the historic Williamson County Courthouse.
"From the beginning, our purpose behind the ‘Fuller Story’ was to unite—not divide. We wanted to put something up instead of tearing something down. The unveiling of these markers is a huge step in that direction,” said Dr. Kevin Riggs, Pastor of Franklin Community Church. "My prayer is that October 17 be a day of unity, love and celebration.”
The public unveiling will take place on Oct. 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Public Square in historic downtown Franklin. For more information, please contact eric@boft.org.
About The Battle of Franklin Trust 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 is 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.
