Shy's Hill as photographed in the 1890s

Today the hill sits in residential suburban Nashville, marked with a state historical marker. Steps lead up the steep incline to the crest of the heavily wooded hill. The Confederate defensive fortifications, still visible, were placed too far up the hill, allowing the Federals to climb the hill out of harm’s way. The hill, known as Compton Hill at the time of the battle, is named after Col. William Shy (CSA), who was killed there.

Seeing It:
Shy's Hill is located off Benton Smith Road.

Free. Open dawn to dusk. Parking space is minimal; large vehicles may not be feasible.

Directions: From I-440, exit Hillsboro Road and travel south to Harding Place and turn left. Turn right at Shy’s Hill Rd. and turn left onto Benton Smith Rd. to historical marker. Park safely at side of road. Steps up the hill to the left.

The Battle of Nashville Preservation Society's mortgage on Shy's Hill property was burned amid cheers at the top of the historic summit on Saturday morning, April 15, 2006.
The ceremony marked the successful raising of $55,000 in funds over a 150-day period to retire the debt on the property, which lies on the east side of the hill.

Watching the note burn are, left to right, Wes Shofner, Jim Kay, and J.T. Thompson.

(Nashville, Tenn.)—July 25, 2006---The Battle of Nashville Preservation Society (BONPS), Nashville Metropolitan Historical Commission and the Tennessee Historical Society recently received a House Joint Resolution No. 1373 from the State of Tennessee for their efforts in preserving Shy’s Hill.

The House Joint Resolution was issued by Representatives McDaniel, Harwell and Senator Henry.

President of the Battle of Nashville Preservation Society J.T. Thompson said, “While we are proud to be recognized by this distinguished resolution for the joint effort on the work on Shy’s Hill performed by BONPS, the Metro Historical Commission and the Tennessee Historical Society, we look forward to the work that continues to be important in preserving our battlefield sites.”

The Battle of Nashville Preservation Society was founded in 1993 to protect the remaining battlefield sites and promote an understanding of life in Davidson County during the American Civil War. The organization recently retired the debt on the Shy’s Hill property in order that future generations may appreciate its rich history. The Tennessee Historical Society owns the crest of the hill and leases that area to BONPS.

It was at Shy’s Hill on December 16, 1864, during the Battle of Nashville, that Federal troops finally broke the Confederate line on the left flank, resulting in a massive Rebel retreat and a decisive Union Victory.

Since its founding, the BONPS has been instrumental in the preservation of Shy's Hill, Redoubt No. 1, and Kelley's Point sites, as well as actively involved in the preservation of the Battle of Nashville Monument and the rehabilitation and interpretation of Fort Negley. The Battle of Nashville Preservation Society has played an integral role in the promotion, protection, and interpretation of the sites important to our city's role in the Civil War.