Murfreesboro and Area

Stones River National Battlefield
3501 Old Nashville Highway, Murfreesboro TN 37129
615-893-9501
 Road map 
The battle here Dec. 31, 1862–Jan. 2, 1863, resulted in more than 23,000 total casualties out of about 81,000 soldiers engaged, making this one of the bloodiest battles of the war.
    Union forces under Gen. William Rosecrans marched toward Murfreesboro Dec. 26, 1862, from their camps in Nashville. Confederates under Gen. Braxon Bragg occupied the town in force, protecting Middle Tennessee and the approach to Chattanooga. The battle began badly for the Union army as a flank attack on the last day of 1862 nearly swept them from the field. Rosecrans recovered, fended off attacks Jan. 2 and prepared to take the offensive with reinforcements arriving. Bragg, his army worn out and bloodied, evacuated Murfreesboro Jan. 3. After the battle Union forces consolidated their position in the city, creating a fortified position and a critical supply station for operations south.
    Visitor center open 8 am–5 pm daily. Grounds open to pedestrians until sunset. Free.

Oaklands Historic House Museum
900 N Maney Ave, Murfreesboro TN 37130
615-893-0022
 Road map 
One of the finest plantations in the area, Oaklands was a busy place in 1862, hosting a Union camp in June, serving as the surrender site to Confederate Gen. N.B. Forrest after his cavalry captured the town in July and hosting Confederate President Jefferson Davis in December.
    The restored home is open to visitors Tuesday-Saturday 10 am–4 pm; Sunday 1–4 pm. $7 adults.

The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County
225 W College St, Murfreesboro TN 37130
615-217-8013
 Road map 
   Civil War exhibit, “The Time that Changed Everything: Murfreesboro’s Civil War Era,” tells the story of the town square during wartime and Federal occupation of the city. Walking tours available. Open 9 am–4 pm Monday–Friday. Free.

Sam Davis Home
1399 Sam Davis Road, Smyrna TN 37167
615-459-2341
 Road map 
   A film and museum highlight the life and death of Confederate hero Sam Davis. His nine-room circa 1820 home is open for tours. Davis was hanged Nov. 27, 1863, after he refused to reveal the source of information he was carrying to Confederate authorities. See also the Sam Davis Trail (link).
    Open June-August Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm; Sunday 1–5 pm. Shorter hours other times. $8.50 adults.

Website links to these places: Tennessee Links