Largest Cache of Confederate Bullets Unearthed as Part of Symposium

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – The largest cache of Confederate bullets ever unearthed in Middle Tennessee was revealed Wednesday, Sept. 7 as part of the “10,000 Secrets Unearthed” project at the Lotz House.

Renowned relic hunter William Henry unearthed a cast iron cooking pot filled with 10,000 Minni balls, which is now on display in the Lotz House. The number of bullets found is the same number as the casualties of the Nov. 30 Battle of Franklin.

This cache was unearthed north of the Harpeth River. Lotz House guide and avid metal detector Robert Blythe will join Andy Willoughby during the upcoming symposium to discuss the significance of the Henry find and the current opportunities for metal detecting on the battlefield in Franklin. Other speakers include Lotz House Historian Thomas Cartwright and author Bryan Lane.

In August, Thompson announced the Civil War house museum will host a two-part symposium reflecting on the “Forgotten Battle of Franklin - Dec. 17, 1864,” as well as the “10,000 Secrets Unearthed.”

The symposium will be held 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Nashville-Franklin Elks Lodge #72 located at 485 Oak Meadow Dr. in Franklin. Puckett’s Grocery will provide boxed lunches, and each participant will receive one of the Minni bullets from this collection with a certificate of authenticity.

The cost is $50 per person, and reservations can be made by calling Lotz House Community Relations Director Laura Westbrook at 615-790-7190 or email laura@lotzhouse.com. Seating is limited and reservations are required.

About the Lotz House

The Lotz House, which has been on the National Historic Register since 1976, is located in the heart of downtown historic Franklin, Tennessee at the “epicenter” of the Battle of Franklin, which was a pivotal battle in the Civil War on November 30, 1864. The house is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission charged. The Lotz House is located at 1111 Columbia Ave. For more information, call 615-790-7190 or visit www.lotzhouse.com.

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