Murfreesboro, TN

Tactically indecisive, the Battle of Stones River cost 13,249 Federal casualties and 10,266 Confederate.  After Gen. Bragg withdrew from Murfreesboro, Gen. Rosecrans claimed victory, providing a much-needed boost to northern moral following the disastrous Union defeat at Fredericksburg, VA just three weeks before. When the Federals set off on the Tullahoma campaign, it was noted that Gen. Rosecrans left "scarcely leaving forces sufficient to man the forts".  The Union men left behind reportedly had orders to shell the town and burn it in the event of a Confederate raid.  One cannon at the fort was trained on the courthouse at all times. This elegant landmark was constructed shortly before the Civil War and still stands at the center of the downtown square. The 600-acre National Battlefield includes Stones River National Cemetery, established in 1865, with more than 6,000 Union graves; and the Hazen Brigade Monument, believed to be the oldest, intact Civil War monument still standing in its original location.

My mother lives in Murfreesboro, my sister and I both went to college there (Middle Tenn. State Univ.) and I have an uncle buried at the Stones River National Cemetery.

Please feel free to send me an email if you have questions or comments:

john@camperjohn.com

Entrance sign to the park.

The Hazen Monument.

Artillery Monument at McFadden's Ford

Defense of the Nashville Pike

Typical fence line leading to McFadden's Ford

Fight for the Round Forest