One of several fortifications constructed in the Franklin Battlefield, the fort was used by Union troops to defend their positions in Middle Tennessee against Confederate attackers.

The Second Battle of Franklin in 1864, part of the Franklin-Nashville Campaign in the Western Theater, was the most notable engagement of this area during the Civil War.

Today, Fort Granger's remaining earthworks are preserved within a city park that is located near the center of Franklin.

[3] Fort Granger was built on Figuer's Bluff, north of the Harpeth River and parallel to the railroad to Nashville.

[6] Siting it on the bluff enabled strategic military control over the Harpeth River bridge of the Tennessee and Alabama Railroad.

[10] James L. Rogers, 98th Ohio Infantry, wrote a letter dated June 4, 1863 that lists some of the Federal units who constructed Fort Granger.

The fighting lasted for five hours, including widespread hand-to-hand combat and artillery fire, causing 10,000 casualties on both sides.

[10] At the same time, he ordered his men to build pontoon bridges across the Harpeth River, permitting the movement of supply wagons and troops to Nashville once the battle had ended.

After sundown, the sparks of rifle fire and the lightning, thunder and groaning of the heavy cannons was splendid and awe-inspiring for the eye and ear.

"[10] In 1864, James Willett found the fort to be in a "dilapidated condition" and noted that "no efforts had been made to keep it in proper order or repair."

Its grounds include a boardwalk offering a view of the Harpeth River and extending through part of the fort's site.