Stones River National Battlefield

THIS PROGRAM IS FILLED TO CAPACITY. OUR NEXT PRESENTATION WILL BE SATURDAY AUGUST 19, 2017. RESERVATIONS FOR THAT PROGRAM MUST BE MADE BY CALLING 615-893-9501 STARTING AT 9 AM ON MONDAY AUGUST 14th. Join a park ranger for an hour-long walk by lantern light through Stones River National Cemetery. Visitors will get a chance to appreciate the human stories housed within the cemetery by listening to soldiers and civilians share their experiences through the letters they wrote and received during…

Park rangers and volunteers will present a series of programs and family friendly activities that will let visitors explore the wonders of our solar system and learn about astronomy during the Civil War. Enjoy a series of ongoing hands-on activities from 10 AM through 3 PM. Activities may include: Make Your Own Eclipse Viewer (Bring Your Own Cereal Box) Make Your Own Eclipse Art Solar Eclipse Junior Ranger Booklet PROGRAM SCHEDULE 10 AM - What is an Eclipse? - Discover…

THIS PROGRAM IS FILLED TO CAPACITY. OUR NEXT PRESENTATION WILL BE SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2017. RESERVATIONS FOR THAT PROGRAM MUST BE MADE BY CALLING 615-893-9501 STARTING AT 9 AM ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER 4th. Join a park ranger for an hour-long walk by lantern light through Stones River National Cemetery. Visitors will get a chance to appreciate the human stories housed within the cemetery by listening to soldiers and civilians share their experiences through the letters they wrote and received during…

ATTENTION - IN ORDER TO ENHANCE THE SAFETY OF VISITORS AND STAFF, VISITORS MAY ONLY ACCESS THE PARK USING OUR MAIN GATE AT 1563 NORTH THOMPSON LANE. ALL OTHER PARK GATES WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL 2:30 PM. Stand on the fields where one of the most important battles of the American Civil War raged and share a more modern historical moment during the 2017 solar eclipse. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a number of activities ranging from…

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED AND MUST BE MADE BY CALLING 615-893-9501 STARTING AT 9 AM ON MONDAY September 4, 2017. Join a park ranger for an hour-long walk by lantern light through Stones River National Cemetery. Visitors will get a chance to appreciate the human stories housed within the cemetery by listening to soldiers and civilians share their experiences through the letters they wrote and received during the conflict. Reservations are required and must be made by calling (615) 893-9501 starting…

As the sun set on December 30, 1862, nearly 81,000 men in blue and gray faced each other across the fields and forests to the west and south of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Every man knew that the next day owuld bring yet another titanic battle and more lives lost as our nation's Civil War ground on. Samuel Seay of the First Tennesse Infantry, CSA described what happened as darkness fell. "Just before 'tattoo' the military bands on each side began their…

On Saturday December 16, 2017, members of the Rutherford County community will gather at Stones River National Cemetery to honor veterans during the holiday season as part of Wreaths Across America Day. Smyrna Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol has volunteered once again to conduct the Wreaths Across America ceremony this year at Stones River National Cemetery. The program will begin at 12 noon on Saturday December 16, 2017 at the cemetery flag pole. Parking for the event will be in…

11 AM - The Approaching Thunder - Join a ranger at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce visitor center as he uses their outdoor map to explain the Stones River Campaign events that played out 155 years ago to the day. (30 minutes) 1 PM - Stones River Stories - Listen as a park ranger tells the story of a soldier or unit on the ground where they fought in the Battle of Stones River. Check in at the visitor…

11 AM - The Approaching Thunder - Join a ranger at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce visitor center as he uses their outdoor map to explain the Stones River Campaign events that played out 155 years ago to the day. (30 minutes) 1 PM - Stones River Stories - Listen as a park ranger tells the story of a soldier or unit on the ground where they fought in the Battle of Stones River. Check in at the visitor…

11 AM - The Approaching Thunder - Join a ranger at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce visitor center as he uses their outdoor map to explain the Stones River Campaign events that played out 155 years ago to the day. (30 minutes) 1 PM - Stones River Stories - Listen as a park ranger tells the story of a soldier or unit on the ground where they fought in the Battle of Stones River. Check in at the visitor…

11 AM - The Approaching Thunder - Join a ranger at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce visitor center as he uses their outdoor map to explain the Stones River Campaign events that played out 155 years ago to the day. (30 minutes) 1 PM - Stones River Stories - Listen as a park ranger tells the story of a soldier or unit on the ground where they fought in the Battle of Stones River. Check in at the visitor…

Hear the rattle of musketry and the roar of artillery as the experiences of soldiers fighting here 155 years ago come to life. All programs will take place near the park visitor center. 10 AM - Confederate Tide Rising (Confederate Infantry Demonstration) 10:30 AM - Making a Stand (Union Infantry Demonstration) 11 AM - Fighting Enemy and Nature (Union Artillery Demonstration) 1 PM - Crossing Hell’s Half Acre (Confederate Infantry Demonstration) 1:30 PM - Holding Round Forest (Union Infantry Demonstration)…

Watch a cannon fire and learn how Union artillery helped turn the tide of battle on December 31, 1862. 11 AM - Firing in All Directions: Parsons’ Battery 1 PM - Seeing the Elephant: The Chicago Board of Trade Battery 2 PM - Turning the Tide: Union Artillery at the Nashville Pike

11 AM - The Eye of the Storm - Learn about the quiet but critical events of New Year's Day that shaped the outcome of the Battle of Stones River. (30 minutes) 1 PM - First Day Hike - Follow a ranger and explore the battlefield while discovering the many layers of history on the landscape. Be sure to dress appropriately for a 4+ mile hike and bring snacks and plenty of water. (3 Hours) 2 PM - Forever Free…

ATTENTION! If temperatures are below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, this hike will be cancelled. We will be joining Tennessee State Parks in offering a First Day Hike on Monday January 1, 2018. Enjoy a four mile guided hike through the park with stops at some of the locations where key battle events unfolded from 1-4 PM. What better way to celebrate the new year than by starting with a healthy exploration of the battlefield during the 155th anniversary of the Battle…

“The Very Forest Seemed to Fall” Join living historians at the park visitor center as they present artillery demonstrations and talks highlighting the final attack of the battle of Stones River and its bloody consequences. Cannon firing demonstrations will take place at 1, 2, 3 & 4 PM.