Johnsonville SHP

08 Sept 2020

On our drive today to Paris,TN decided to visit Johnsonville SHP. When we arrived, John said that we had been there before, but I simply could not remember. Well, he was correct and we visited in May 2016 along with Fort Definance. So I have copied the blog entry and photos from that visit.

 Johnsonville SHP is located on the eastern bank of Kentucky Lake (Tennessee River) in Tennessee. The park features exhibits focusing on the 1864 battle fought here, two preserved Civil War fortifications and earthworks. The town was named for Andrew Johnson who served as Tennessee's Union Military Governor during the Civil War and became the 17th President after Lincoln's assassination in 1865.

Entrance to Park

Johnsonville History

Old Johnsonville Plaques

Union leaders built a huge supply depot which at the time was known as Lucas Landing and in 1863, Union General Rosecrans ordered completion of a single track Nashville and Northwestern Railroad constructed by nearly 7,000 African American civilians. In may 1864 the Union Supply Depot was completed.  Union soldiers constructed a redoubt equipped with artillery and rifle pits to protect from a Confederate attack.

Rifle Pit Signage

Rifle Pit

Artillery Facing Tennessee River

Artillery Signage

On 4 November, 1864, Confederate General Forrest attacked Johnsonville from across the river upon anchored Union Naval ships and supplies on the riverfront. Fearing capture, Commander Thompson ordered the burning of naval transports docked at the wharf. The fire spread and quickly consumed most of the depot's buildings causing more than $6 million in damages. After the battle, some of the depot was rebuilt as well as a second larger Redoubt. After the Confederate defeat in Nashville in December of 1864, the Union abandoned Johnsonville.

Supply Depot Signage

Attack of Naval Fleet on Tennessee River

After the war, the town saw success as a railroad town and existed for another 80 years until in 1944 when the TVA flooded the Tennessee River thus forming Kentucky Lake .