The Stones River National Battlefield is located in Murfreesboro, TN.A fierce battle took place here between December 31, 1862 and January 2, 1863. More than 81,000 soldiers grappled in the fields and cedar glades along Stone's River, and 23,000 became casualties in one of the bloodiest battles fought in the western theater. Bragg's Confederates withdrew after the battle, allowing Rosecrans and the Union Army to control Middle Tennessee. The battle set the stage for the Union advance to Chattanooga. With the battlefield left in the hands of the Federal army, engineers constructed Fortress Rosecrans, a large earthen supply depot and one of the most extensive field fortifications in Tennessee. Stone's River has been ranked among the most endangered battlefield sites in the nation. The scene today differs little from that of 1862. The railroad and turnpike are still in the same place, and the fields are still planted between cedar thickest.
Stone's River National Battlefield encompasses only a small part of the original battlefield. The major points of interest are on a self guided auto tour. Each stop is identified by a numbered marker. Short trails and exhibits explain the events at each site. In the visitors center they have an excellent exhibit along with a short video about the battlefield,
Another very interesting place to visit here in Tennessee.
Love to all,
Candy and Johnny
