11 Acres of Civil War History to Be Protected in Spring Hill

Issue #530

August 19, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Weather - Sunny w/ High of 98, low of 71

📰 11 Acres of Civil War History to Be Protected in Spring Hill

📌 Free Hunting Day Kicks Off Fall Hunting in Tennessee

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

11 Acres of Civil War History to Be Protected in Spring Hill

A piece of Civil War history in Spring Hill will soon be safeguarded for generations to come. The Battle of Franklin Trust is set to finalize the purchase of 11 acres tied to the Battle of Spring Hill today.

The battle, fought on November 29, 1864, ended without a clear victor but set the stage for the pivotal Battle of Franklin the following day. The newly preserved property sits near other historic sites, including the Rippa Villa plantation, and expands the network of battlefield land already protected in the area.

Local leaders and preservation groups emphasize that saving the land is not only about honoring history but also about strengthening the local economy. Heritage tourism continues to draw tens of thousands of visitors each year, many from outside Tennessee, who contribute to businesses, tours, and museums throughout Maury County.

The City of Spring Hill is also playing a role by dedicating hotel and motel tax revenue toward the purchase, viewing the site as both a cultural resource and a civic asset. In addition to battlefield preservation, efforts are underway to recognize the slaves who once lived and worked at Rippa Villa. A recent example includes the unveiling of a bust honoring Anna Bunch, who was enslaved on the plantation.

Future plans for the battlefield are expected to balance preservation with accessibility. While the immediate priority is protecting the land and its natural landscape, ideas such as interpretive signs and walking trails are being considered to help visitors connect with the history on a deeper level.

Free Hunting Day Kicks Off Fall Hunting in Tennessee

Tennessee hunters are gearing up for the start of squirrel season, which officially opens August 23. This date also lines up with the state’s annual Free Hunting Day, giving residents a chance to head outdoors without needing a license or permit.

The squirrel season runs through March 15, with hunters allowed a daily bag limit of 10. While Free Hunting Day provides a special opportunity, anyone born on or after January 1, 1969, must first complete a state-approved hunter education course, available both in person and online.

In addition to squirrel hunting, late August brings another highlight for sportsmen. Tennessee’s first archery-only antlered deer hunt is set for August 22–24. Open on private lands and select wildlife management areas, this special event gives hunters the rare chance to harvest a buck before its antlers shed velvet. The regular archery deer season will follow from September 27 through October 24.

September also marks the return of dove season, beginning at noon on September 1. After opening day, dove hunting is permitted from sunrise to sunset. The season is divided into three segments: September 1–28, October 11–November 2, and December 8–January 15.

Hunting remains a popular tradition across Tennessee. The Wildlife Resources Agency reports selling roughly 774,000 resident hunting licenses that cover small game, with more than 363,000 also including big game privileges. These figures do not account for lifetime license holders.

For complete details on hunting seasons, regulations, and hunter education courses, visit tnwildlife.org.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, August 19th

Wednesday, August 20th

Thursday, August 21st

Friday, August 22nd

Saturday, August 23rd

Sunday, August 24th

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Aug 14 - 23: Tennessee State Fair (Lebanon)
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 
Sept 27 - 28: Pilgrimage Music & Heritage Festival

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, August 19th

Songwriters Open Mic, Whiskey Alley, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Justen Harden, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Wednesday, August 20th

Austin Byrd, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, August 21st

Robb Harris, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Larkin & Leigh, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 - 9:00 PM

Friday, August 22nd

TBA, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Brian & Melanie Jones, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Nick Bentley, Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Kirwin and the Band!, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
The Heels, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Natasia Greycloud, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Smokin’ Peas, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Song Writers Round, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM

Saturday, August 23rd

Sean Carson, Keg Springs, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Martin Lane, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Rett Stocstill, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Music on the Porch, 600 N Main St, Mt Pleasant TN, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Summer Series, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
The Mighty Trainwrecks, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
McCartney Forever, The Mulehouse, 8:00 PM
Laura Drake, The Boondox, 8:00 PM 
Broke by Monday, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, August 24th

Bronwen Fair, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Shannon (Jill FM), Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk