Stones River National Battlefield

Address:3501 Old Nashville Highway
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Tel: (615) 893-9501

A Union victory is immortalized with beautiful scenery at the Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The Stones River National Battlefield commemorates the Civil War's fierce, midwinter Battle of Stones River that took place from December 31, 1862 to January 2, 1863. Today, visitors to the 700-acre Stones River National Battlefield can enjoy self-guided tours of the site or hike the beautiful surroundings.

Of all the major battles of the Civil War, the Battle of Stones River had the highest percentage of casualties on both sides. After the Union Army's repulse of two Confederate attacks, there was a much-needed boost in morale among the Union soldiers. The Confederate Army withdrew after the battle and ceded control of Middle Tennessee to the Union.

In April 1960, the site of the Battle of Stones River was designated the Stones River National Battlefield and is home to hiking trails that range from the one-mile Cotton Field Trail to the 4.5-mile Stones River and Lytle Creek Greenways. The Stones River National Battlefield Visitor Center houses a museum where you can view a documentary covering the battle. Visitors to the Stones River National Battlefield can also explore the Fortress Rosecrans, a 200-acre system of earthworks that served to protect Union supplies for the battle. And you can visit the Stones River National Cemetery, the final resting place for the 6,100 Union soldiers who fell in the Battle of Stones River. Visitors can find a wide variety of restaurants in nearby Murfreesboro, ranging from fast food to Mexican to Japanese cuisine.

To get to the Stones River National Battlefield, take I-24 East to exit 76, and turn left onto Medical Center Parkway. Turn left onto Thompson Lane, left onto the Old Nashville Highway access road and left again onto Old Nashville Highway.