Most residents of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County think that the Battle of Stones River is contained within the three-quarter mile plot of land they pass traveling down Thompson Lane from the tall bridge over the railroad to Wilkinson Pike. A small number may be enticed by the stone walls at the gate to travel down the park road through the thick woods and fields of native grass and possibly take the time to stop in the visitor center. An even smaller number take the time to see Stones River from the bluff at McFadden’s Farm. In actuality, many of the county’s residents do not realize that the battlefield of Stones River lies beneath their feet at their homes, work, play or the roads they travel.
4000 acres. Over three miles long and over one mile wide. The Stones River battlefield extends much further than the grounds of Stones River National Battlefield. In fact, the national battlefield only protects about 15 percent of the land where some of the significant events occurred the three days starting on December 31, 1862. This doesn’t include the fierce fighting that happened in the days before as the Union army advanced from Nashville down the country roads across the fields of western Rutherford County.
These articles will look at modern day Murfreesboro and Rutherford County to find the battles that occurred beyond the boundaries of the national battlefield. Many places exist where humans sacrificed their blood and lives for their cause. A solemn ground lies beneath the buildings and roads. All of this land is worth remembering as we recognize the events that occurred over 160 years ago. - by Thomas Zei
4000 acres. Over three miles long and over one mile wide. The Stones River battlefield extends much further than the grounds of Stones River National Battlefield. In fact, the national battlefield only protects about 15 percent of the land where some of the significant events occurred the three days starting on December 31, 1862. This doesn’t include the fierce fighting that happened in the days before as the Union army advanced from Nashville down the country roads across the fields of western Rutherford County.
These articles will look at modern day Murfreesboro and Rutherford County to find the battles that occurred beyond the boundaries of the national battlefield. Many places exist where humans sacrificed their blood and lives for their cause. A solemn ground lies beneath the buildings and roads. All of this land is worth remembering as we recognize the events that occurred over 160 years ago. - by Thomas Zei