Stones River National Battlefield
PARK OVERVIEW
Union General William Rosecrans had kept his men safe in Nashville since early November 1862, so long that President Lincoln himself was pushing for his removal if he did not go on an offensive soon. As a result, on December 26th he set off southeast towards Chattanooga, where major rail lines linked middle Tennessee with Atlanta. Standing in his way was the Confederacy’s main army in the west, General Braxton Bragg’s Army of the Tennessee.
The Stones River National Battlefield preserves a small portion of the battlefield where the two armies met on December 31, 1862, through January 2, 1863. It is located just northwest of downtown Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The battle gets its name from the Stones River, the river where the final and most bloody fighting took place.
The park includes a Visitor Center and Museum, the battlefield with six tour stops that explain the events that took place, Stones River National Cemetery, and Fortress Rosecrans, the largest earthen fort built during the Civil War. This was built after the victorious Union troops occupied Murfreesboro on January 5th. There are also 3-4 miles of hiking trails, not counting a few short trails that are part of the battlefield tour stops.
OPERATING HOURS
The Stones River National Battlefield grounds are open from sunrise to sunset. However, the tour road is only open from 8 AM to 5 PM. To get into the park after this time (bikers and hikers), park at Tour Stop #5 or the Visitor Center parking lot, both of which are outside of the park gates.
The Visitor Center and Museum are open every day (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 9 AM to 5 PM.
McFadden Farm and Redoubt Brannan are open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Fortress Rosecrans is open from dawn until dusk.
Times can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to get the latest schedule on the National Park Service’s official Operating Hours and Seasons web page for Stones River National Battlefield.
FEES
There is no fee to enter Stones River National Battlefield.
SCHEDULING YOUR VISIT
Visitor Center
allow 30 minutes to 1 hour
Battlefield Tour
allow 1-3 hours
Stones River National Cemetery
allow 15 – 30 minutes
Fortress Rosecrans
allow 1 hour
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Last updated on March 10, 2020
