May Me the Mule
Immortalized at Carter Hill
What does the November 30, 1864, Battle of Franklin have to do with a mule?
In partnership with City of Franklin Parks, the Battle of Franklin Trust recently unveiled a life-sized bronze statue of May Me the mule, a part of the 6th Ohio Battery at Carter Hill Battlefield Park.
Horses and mules were essential for transporting troops, supplies, and artillery across the rugged terrain of early America. Before the military began utilizing mechanized vehicles to move supplies and soldiers in the last years of the 19th and early 20th centuries, a mixture of railroad, river and coastal shipping, and wagon trains were pulled by oxen, cattle, horses, donkeys and mules. It is estimated that roughly three million mules and horses were in service during the Civil War.
The mission of The Battle of Franklin Trust is to preserve, understand, and interpret the story of a people forever impacted by the American Civil War. As the 501(c) (3) corporation that manages three historic sites in middle Tennessee, Carter House, Carnton, and Rippa Villa, interpretation begins with the founders of America and their audacious experiment in liberty. Tours and exhibitions continually evolve to reflect ongoing research.
Pvt. Adam Weaver, 104th Ohio Infantry wrote about May Me, and other such animals that pulled the 6th Ohio Battery cannons into place the morning of November 30, 1864.
Dearest Charlotte,
It is now 12:00 noon and fairly quiet... Artillery is being placed near the gap at the pike and just a few steps away, the 6th Ohio have placed a two-gun battery. The battery was pulled by mules, which have been trained to lie down in action. The leader mule is called May-Me and wears an old felt hat with holes cut in it for her ears to stick through. Lieut. Baldwin of the 4th Army Corps is the battery commander. It is a privilege and honor to serve alongside this famed unit.
Local artist, Janel Maher brought May Me to life in painting and bronze. Janel first began work with the BOFT in 2018 when Harvey the dog mascot of the 104th Ohio Infantry was created for the Carter House Museum. And special thanks to local preservationist Pam Lewis, who provided funding to bring May Me home to Franklin.
Learn more at boft.org.
