A new bronze statue honoring a mule that helped pull Union artillery into position during the Battle of Franklin will be unveiled Friday, September 18, at Carter Hill Battlefield Park.
The Battle of Franklin Trust and the City of Franklin Parks Department will unveil the life-size statue of May-Me, the lead draft mule for the 6th Ohio Battery, at 10 a.m.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony at 109 Cleburne Street in Franklin.
May-Me’s story comes from an account by Pvt. Adam J. Weaver of the 104th Ohio Infantry, who described the battery being pulled into position on November 30, 1864, by mules trained to lie down during battle. Weaver wrote that May-Me wore an old felt hat with holes cut for her ears.
Local artist Janel Maher brought May-Me’s story to life through both a painting and the bronze statue. Maher previously created Harvey, the 104th Ohio Infantry’s mascot, for the Carter House museum.
Horses and mules played an important role during the Civil War, transporting soldiers, supplies, and artillery. An estimated three million horses and mules served during the war.
The Battle of Franklin Trust manages Carter House, Carnton and Rippa Villa and works to preserve and interpret stories connected to the Civil War and the Battle of Franklin.
