Hayes Lowe
Some additional info.
Thu Jun 28 15:32:07 2001


The camp was located 6 miles from Springfield, Tenn., Robertson County (near Cedar Hill). It was a Camp of Instruction.

Historical marker:

Camp Cheatham
Named for Benjamin Franklin Cheatham, who was in 1861 appointed brigadier general in the Provisional Army, Independent State of Tennessee, and its first camp commander, the training camp established in this area in June, 1861 was used by numerous Confederate units, including the 3rd TN Infantry (John C. Brown), 11th TN Infantry (Rains), and 42nd TN Infantry (Quarles). Other units, organized elsewhere, trained here; among them were Woodard's 2nd Kentucky Cavalry.
U.S. 41, Robertson County, at crossroads leading into Cedar Hill

Some units that I know were there at various times:

1st Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, before July of 1861.

At least five of the companies of 2nd (Smith's) Tennessee Cavalry Regiment [Originally 10th (also called 11th) Tennessee Cavalry Battalion] were mustered into service there in late 1861 and early 1862. Some of the companies [and individuals] of this regiment later served in Alabama units, i.e. Capt. Allen Lea’s "Lookout Rangers", Capt. John F. Thomason’s Company, and possibly others. [Interestingly, this regiment was equipped with sabers and shotguns.]

2nd (Woodard's) Kentucky Cavalry

The 3rd (Clack's/Brown’s) Tennessee Infantry Regiment was there in July 1862, before moving to Camp Trousdale where it entered into Confederate service. This unit’s “fighting rooster”, Jake, was purchased there. The rooster died in 1864, after being mustered out following surrender at Vicksburg. [I’ve found no record of a survivor’s claim or pension.]

4th (McLemore's) Tennessee Cavalry

The 11th Tennessee Infantry, before August 1, 1861.

42nd (Quarles) Tenn. Infantry

I’m sure that more information can be found in this roll of microfilm, available at Tennessee State Library and Archives:

Mf. 1095 -- Tennessee Historical Society Miscellaneous Volumes, 1805-1918. THS. 2 reels. 35 mm.
Miscellaneous collection including an order book for Confederate volunteers at Camp Cheatham, 1861