What to Expect
âïļ Civil War Battlefield
Walk across preserved portions of the landscape where Union and Confederate forces fought one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.
ðïļ Visitor Center & Museum
Start at the visitor center to explore museum exhibits and learn the story of the battle before heading out onto the battlefield.
ð Self-Guided Battlefield Tour
Follow the battlefield tour to important locations and learn how the fighting unfolded across the landscape around Murfreesboro.
ðŠĶ Stones River National Cemetery
Visit the national cemetery where more than 6,100 Union soldiers are buried, including thousands whose identities remain unknown.
ðĨū Historic Walking Trails
Get out of the car and explore portions of the battlefield on foot, allowing you to experience the terrain where soldiers fought in 1862 and 1863.
ð Stories Beyond the Battle
Learn not only about the fighting itself, but also the soldiers, civilians, occupation, and lasting consequences of the battle in Middle Tennessee.
Our Experience - Stones River National Battlefield
Located in Murfreesboro, Stones River National Battlefield preserves the site of one of the Civil War's bloodiest and most significant battles. Fighting began on December 31, 1862, as Union and Confederate armies clashed for control of Middle Tennessee, eventually producing important military and political gains for the Union.
We recommend beginning at the visitor center, where the museum provides helpful context before you head onto the battlefield itself. From there, the self-guided tour allows you to explore important areas of the fighting and better understand how the battle unfolded. Being able to stand on the actual terrain adds a perspective that maps and museum exhibits alone simply can't provide.
One of the most moving parts of a visit is Stones River National Cemetery. More than 6,100 Union soldiers are buried here, including 2,562 unknown soldiers. Walking among the rows of headstones puts the enormous human cost of the battle into perspective and provides a quiet contrast to the battlefield surrounding it.
Stones River is also an incredibly easy historical addition to a Nashville trip. Located in Murfreesboro, southeast of Nashville, you can spend a couple of hours exploring the museum, battlefield, cemetery, and trails without needing to dedicate an entire day. For anyone interested in the Civil War or American history, it's well worth making the trip outside the city.