On June 2-3, 2012, Stones River National Battlefield will present a series of programs that highlight how a significant event like the Battle of
Stones River can be perceived in many different ways. The Battle of Stones
River was one of the most important battles of the Civil War. The Union
victory bolstered Northern morale and set the stage for decisive military
campaigns into the heart of the Confederacy. Soldiers and civilians had
different reactions to the battle and its outcome. During the weekend,
their stories will come together to give visitors a fuller understanding of
the how individual circumstances shape our perception of historical events.
The daily program schedule is as follows.
10 AM – Fighting for Murfreesboro – A Confederate soldier from Murfreesboro
will share his local perspective of the battle. (Includes a Musket Firing
Demonstration)
11 AM – A Battle Within a Battle – Visitors will learn of a litany of
challenges and missed opportunities that cost the Confederate artillery a
chance to play a more forceful role in the Battle of Stones River.
(Includes a Cannon Firing Demonstration)
1 PM – The Slaughter Pen – A Federal and Confederate soldier will share
their stories from one of the deadliest places on the battlefield.
(Includes a Musket Firing Demonstration)
2 PM – The Line That Wouldn`t Break – Two soldiers will talk about the
fighting along the Nashville Pike on December 31, 1862. (Includes a Cannon
Firing Demonstration)
3 PM – Breckinridge`s Charge – Listen to the stories of two soldiers who
fought in the final action of the Battle of Stones River. (Includes a
Cannon Firing Demonstration)
We invite visitors to spend time in the camp area, which will open daily at
9 AM, in between the programs were they can share a number of unique
civilian and military perspectives of the Battle of Stones River. Some of
the featured stories in camp will be:
· Civilians like Mrs. Hollie McFadden, a local widow whose farm was
nearly destroyed by the fighting,
· The Signal Corps, soldiers dedicated to providing communications
services for the Union army,
· The Artificers, men who repaired and maintained the cannons even in
the midst of the fighting,
· The Quartermaster, who struggled to supply the army before, during,
and after the fight, and
· The Provost Marshal, the army’s Chief of Police.
These are just some of the unique perspectives of the Battle of Stones
River that visitors will find as they talk with the soldiers and civilians
in camp.
These programs are part of a series of interpretive programs offered at
the battlefield during the year. Stones River National Battlefield is
located on the Old Nashville Highway, northwest of Murfreesboro. Additional
information is available at the visitor center, by calling (615) 893-9501
or at the park website (http://www.nps.gov/stri).
