Benjamin Hicks

Robert Benjamin Hicks III (1951–2022) was an American author and a dedicated advocate for historic preservation, particularly concerning the Battle of Franklin. Born in Florida, he relocated to Tennessee in 1974, where he became deeply involved in the music industry and established a significant presence in art and preservation circles. He served on the boards of numerous cultural institutions and was recognized as a collector of Southern antiques and folk art.

Hicks achieved widespread acclaim for his debut novel, "The Widow of the South," which became a New York Times bestseller. The novel, set during the Battle of Franklin, drew inspiration from his work at the historic Carnton mansion. His commitment to preserving the battlefield led to major reclamation efforts, earning him accolades such as the American Battlefield Trust's Preservation Champion award and the Edwin C. Bearss Lifetime Achievement Award. He also authored two other novels, "A Separate Country" and "The Orphan Mother," and contributed essays and op-eds to various publications.

Robert Hicks' literary career gained significant momentum with his first novel, "The Widow of the South." This work, inspired by the historical events and the Carnton mansion, quickly rose to prominence, becoming a New York Times bestseller. His deep connection to the Battle of Franklin fueled a passion for its preservation, leading to substantial efforts in reclaiming the battlefield. This dedication was recognized with honors like the American Battlefield Trust's Preservation Champion award and the Edwin C. Bearss Lifetime Achievement Award. Beyond his acclaimed novel, Hicks explored other narrative themes in "A Separate Country" and "The Orphan Mother," further solidifying his place as a notable author.

A central aspect of Robert Hicks' life was his unwavering commitment to historic preservation. He played a pivotal role in safeguarding the Carnton mansion and the surrounding grounds, which served as a critical site during the Battle of Franklin. His efforts were instrumental in what the American Battlefield Protection Program described as "the largest battlefield reclamation in North American history." Hicks' influence extended to advising on the planning for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in Tennessee. His passion for preserving historical landscapes and cultural heritage was recognized by Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, which named him one of the "Top 100 Reasons to Love Nashville" for his role as a "Master of Ceremonies" for historic preservation.

Beyond his writing and preservation advocacy, Robert Hicks was an internationally recognized collector of Southern antiques and folk art. His expertise in this area led him to curate the significant exhibition "Art of Tennessee" at the Frist Center for Visual Arts in Nashville in 2003. This exhibition highlighted his deep understanding and appreciation for the region's artistic heritage. His involvement in the arts also included serving on the boards of various prominent cultural organizations, such as the Tennessee State Museum and the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, underscoring his broad impact on the cultural landscape.

“My decision to only produce 1,864 bottles of Battlefield Bourbon this year makes it pretty much the smallest batch of small batch bourbon anywhere. Yet, it only seemed right as I promised myself that whatever I produced would be really good and really rare. Besides, as I am signing and numbering every bottle, I figured that I needed to protect the old signing hand and 1,864 bottles seemed like enough. Of course, 1864 is the year of the Battle of Franklin, which this sesquicentennial commemoration is all about.”