The Federals take most of the morning…

The Federals take most of the morning on December 16 to move into position against Hood's new line, which has been reduced to about two miles in length.

Once again, Thomas plans a two-phase attack but concentrates on Hood's left.

Schofield is to drive back Cheatham, and Wilson's cavalry is to swing to the rear to block the Franklin Pike, Hood's only remaining route of withdrawal.

At noon, Wood and Steedman attack Lee on Overton's Hill, but without success.

On the left, Wilson's dismounted cavalry is exerting pressure on the line.

At 4 p.m., Cheatham, on Shy's Hill, is under assault from three sides, and his corps breaks and flees to the rear.

Wood takes this opportunity to renew his attack on Lee on Overton's Hill, and this time the momentum is overwhelming.

Darkness falls, and heavy rain begins.

Hood collects his forces and withdraws to the south toward Franklin.

Casualties from the two-day battle are 3,061 Union (387 killed, 2,558 wounded, and 112 missing or captured) and approximately 6,000 Confederate (1,500 killed or wounded, 4,500 missing or captured).

The Battle of Nashville is one of the most stunning victories achieved by the Union Army in the war.

The formidable Army of Tennessee, the second largest Confederate force, has been effectively destroyed as a fighting force.

Hood's army had entered Tennessee with over thirty thousand men but leaves with fifteen thousand to twenty thousand.