Roderick

[larry_cockerham]

A salute to a Southern hero:

Horse tale helps recall Forrest's battle
By JILL CECIL WIERSMA • Staff Writer • March 6, 2008

THOMPSON'S STATION — Roderick gazes again across the
countryside where he once rushed to be with his master
on the battlefield.

Mayor Leon Heron unveiled a bronze statue of Gen.
Nathan Bedford Forrest's loyal horse at Roderick Place
Wednesday, honoring the 145th anniversary of the
Battle of Thompson's Station. Attending were local
officials, Thompson's Station aldermen, county
commissioners and Franklin Mayor John Schroer. Other
invited guests took special note of the history they
learned at the dedication from author and historian
Eric Jacobson, of Historic Carton Plantation.


"We just finished our unit on the Civil War and I
just thought it was a great opportunity for the kids
to see some of our history right here," Oak View
Elementary Principal Denise Goodwin said of the 12
fifth-graders who attended with her. The students were
randomly selected for the field trip by a drawing.

"They're going to grow up and remember what this is
and know all about it," Goodwin said. She added that
the children took pictures and shot video to create
presentations they can soon share soon with other
grades.

"I was amazed because I never get drawn for anything,"
Elizabeth Brackins said. "I want to know what kind of
horse he was, where he died and that kind of thing."

Bradley Noelting likes to ride horses and said he was
curious to learn more about Roderick.

"I know he was something great in the Civil war," he
said. "I'd like to find out what the horse did that
was so important."

Heron and Jacobson explained the history and some of
the grand lore about Roderick.

On March 5, 1863, Forrest led his troops to cut off
Union troops under the command of Gen. John Coburn
coming down from Franklin. Roderick, wounded by three
gunshots, was led away from the battle by Forrest's
17-year-old son, William. The horse bolted away to
return to Forrest and was killed after being shot for
a fourth time.

Jacobson described Roderick as a Chestnut gelding said
to be Forrest's favorite horse. He supposedly followed
Forrest around like a faithful dog. The historian
noted that Roderick's story is an example of the
long-standing bond between man and horse, particularly
in battle.

"As a man not stirred by much, I think it says a great
deal that Forrest knelt down, overcome with grief, to
say goodbye to his beloved Roderick," Jacobson said.
"Then he remounted and went bank into the thick of the
fight and splintered what was left of the Federal left
flank."

Coburn surrendered more than a thousand troops and
Roderick was buried that night on the property now
owned by Heron and his wife, Cynthia.

Roderick Place is an 80-acre mixed-use development
that will include dining, a day spa and pool, retreat,
wellness center and an outpatient surgery center in
addition to approximately 134 homes and a 60-room
country inn. It will also include a retail village and
an amphitheater.

Heron also announced the creation of the Roderick
Award of Courage, which will be presented each March
5, starting next year, to an individual who, similar
to Roderick, displays courage in the face of
adversity.

Jacobson thanked Heron for keeping history a vital
part of the land's use. He noted it was a fitting
memorial to the land's namesake.

"I can say without absolutely any doubt that if there
were more people like Leon Heron, much more of our
American history would be preserved, not built upon.
We may all live for our future, but all of us are
products of our past."

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