Thirty Years in the Making: The Story of the Wars Commission and the Role of its Directors

In early 1980, following a short tenure as a private archaeology contractor at Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee. Fred Prouty accepted a position with the Tennessee Division of Archaeology (DoA) to begin a statewide Civil War site survey. Later, during his employment with the DoA, he was asked to investigate possible battlefield burials at the now state-owned Parkers Crossroads Battlefield. There, both a friendship and partnership developed, founded on mutual respect and passion for battlefield preservation, with then-Representative Steve McDaniel.  

In 1994, with the leadership of Representative Steve McDaniel, Senator Douglas Henry, and the Tennessee Historical Commission (THC) Director, Herbert Harper, the Wars Commission (TWC) was formed by the Tennessee General Assembly. For purposes of efficiency, the board of the THC was established in the enabling legislation as also serving as the board of the TWC. The TWC was developed out of necessity, to address the fast-disappearing Civil War battlefields and related sites, and sites connected to the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Mexican-American War. The Wars Commission was given the authority and responsibility to coordinate the planning, preservation, and promotion of these sites and battlefields in Tennessee. With the establishment of this new commission, leadership asked Fred if he would spearhead the new program as the Director of Programs.

After the first month, Fred realized that his program of one would need additional support to achieve the Wars Commission’s mission and as a result, the Tennessee Civil War Preservation Association (TCWPA), a 501(c)3, was formed with a mission statement to “...protect Tennessee’s surviving battlefields and contributing landscapes for the benefit of present and future generations.” Decades later, the relationship between TCWPA and the Wars Commission is thriving, and this partnership continues to aid in safeguarding our military heritage. In 2023, thanks to a grant award from the Wars Commission Grant Fund (WCGF), TCWPA produced a statewide battlefield preservation plan that compiled battlefield site data, identified preservation opportunities, priorities, and strategies.

The Wars Commission has always approached battlefield preservation with the mindset “it takes a village,” and through the years, TWC has leveraged funding between state and federal agencies, non-profits, and communities to successfully preserve numerous Civil War sites, including Davis Bridge, Shiloh, Fort Donelson, Chattanooga and Wauhatchie, Parkers Crossroads, and Stones River Battlefields. In fiscal year 2024, the Civil War Sites Preservation Fund (CWSPF) awarded $7.3M, the largest in the program’s history, for the total acquisition of 187 acres of battlefield ground in four counties, including Williamson. Thanks to grant funds from this year and from years past, and the tireless work of preservation partners and TWC staff, the final few parcels located at the epicenter of the Franklin battlefield have been reclaimed and will be restored to the natural 1860s landscape, adding the Battle of Franklin to our preserved list.

As we reflect on the last thirty years, we take great pride in some of the overarching program accomplishments including:

• The transfer of the 800 acre Davis Bridge property from state to federal ownership for inclusion in the Shiloh National Military Park, a National Park Service (NPS) unit, marking the conclusion of a 35-year project, dating back to Fred’s first battlefield preservation attempt.
• Recording over 500 Civil War-era military sites in Tennessee and surveying over 125 sites related to the American Revolution and 101 potential sites for the War of 1812.
• The assignment of the Fallen Timber tracts from state to federal ownership for inclusion in the Shiloh National Military Park concludes a ten-year project. Expanding the NPS footprint and providing for new visitation and interpretation opportunities.
• The TWC continues the stewardship of over 600 acres of state-owned property and monitors approximately 1,200 acres of conservation easements, with that number anticipated to grow due to the recent launch of the TWC conservation easement program.

Looking to the future, current Director, Nina Scall, is working on several preservation projects including the implementation of the new conservation easement program. The program’s purview has expanded and will accept easements on properties related to the French and Indian War through the Civil War and the Underground Railroad. The easement program contains a volunteer component, allowing the public to take an active role in battlefield preservation in their area. Working in conjunction with the TWC, volunteers will learn how to perform easement monitoring visits, helping to ensure our hallowed ground remains protected.  

Director Scall is thrilled to announce the revival of the 2011, Fort Redmond Historic Site project located in Adams, Tennessee. She is working on securing protections for the portion of the site that is not under state ownership. Long term plans are to partner with the Port Royal State Park to stabilize, preserve, and interpret the site. Fort Redmond was a Civil War-era fortification constructed to protect the Edgefield and Kentucky Railroad supply lines and was manned by members of the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT).

The state has recently accepted ownership of the 120-acre Yarbro Tract at the Jackson Salem Cemetery. TWC has been collaborating with county officials and the local friends group to begin the planning process for the Salem Cemetery battlefield park. An undertaking of this magnitude will be an ongoing, long term project and we are excited to kick off the planning process.

The staff of THC and TWC, along with all the citizens of Tennessee are deeply indebted to our state officials and legislative partners and the Tennessee Division of Archaeology who have all contributed time, energy, and funding in the effort to save thousands of acres of endangered battlefield property for generations to come. Steve McDaniel once said that during Fred Prouty’s 26 years with the state, “he had done more battlefield preservation that any individual in Tennessee.” In truth, without Steve’s dedication and assistance the Wars Commission would not have been so successful.

After thirty years, now more than ever we need to continue to fight for battlefield preservation. With open spaces dwindling rapidly, the cost of land dramatically rising, mammoth development throughout the state, and issues with zoning, Tennessee is facing historic land loss at an unprecedented rate. TWC will continue to strengthen our relationship with our various preservation partners and continue to collaborate with federal, state, and local governments. Active involvement from our community, collaboration with a robust organizations that are plugged in on local and state preservation issues are imperative. Without support and advocacy from concerned citizens and groups like these we would soon be asking “Where did all our battlefields go?”

TWC Grant Fund Applications Open in Summer 2024!

TWC is pleased to offer two unique grant fund opportunities to further Tennessee’s military history. Visit our website to learn more about the grants and to apply!

• Civil War Sites Preservation Fund accepting applicatings August 12, 2024 through November 1, 2024
• Tennessee Wars Commission Grant Fund accepting applications September 2, 2024 through November 15, 2024.