Lotz House hosts 4th annual blood drive for Battle of Franklin anniversary

In honor of those who fell during the Battle of Franklin 151 years ago this week in the Civil War, the Lotz House on Columbia Avenue partnered with the American Red Cross to hold its fourth annual blood drive.

Lotz House was ground zero for five of the bloodiest hours of the battle, which occurred on Nov. 30, 1864. Thousands of lives were lost and the home was turned into a makeshift hospital to help the injured.

J.T. Thompson, Lotz House Civil War Museum executive director and antiques and fine arts appraiser, said he was surprised at the turnout from veterans for the annual event.

“It amazes me to see how many veterans continue to come and donate blood at this particular drive,” Thompson said. “There’s something that drives them to want to give blood on the battlefield. There are always many events that go on around the illumination, but personally this is my favorite as it’s the a way we can personally give back and remember the sacrifice of what happened on November 30, 1864.”

Despite the heavy rains that affected Franklin over the weekend, Thompson said they still received almost 30 pints of blood and are prepared to hold the drive again next year.