Stones River National Battlefield


The Battle of Stones River began on the last day of 1862 and was one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War. The battle produced important military and political gains for the Union, and it changed forever the people who lived and fought here.

From Interstate 24 - Take Exit 76 and turn left (eastbound) or right (westbound) onto Medical Center Parkway. Turn left onto Thompson Lane. Turn left at the park entrance at 1563 N. Thompson Lane. Follow the tour road to the visitor center. From Interstate 40 - Take Exit 235 onto TN 840. Take Exit 55 onto US 41/TN 70 and follow the signs for Murfreesboro. Turn right onto Thompson Lane at the first traffic light. Turn right at the park entrance at 1563 N. Thompson Lane.

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  • Biking
  • Road Biking
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  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto
  • Hands-On
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  • Hiking
  • Living History
  • Historic Weapons Demonstration
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  • Bookstore and Park Store

  • African American Heritage
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  • Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
  • National Cemetery
  • Enslavement
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  • Battlefields
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  • Reconstruction
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  • Wars and Conflicts
  • Civil War
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Fish
  • Tortoises and Turtles
  • Fire
  • Geology
  • Grasslands
  • Scenic Views

Sunrise at Mendenhall's Artillery Trail

The sun rises behind a green field with a cannon in the foreground.

On January 2, 1863, fifty-seven Union cannons fired from this line ending the Battle of Stones River by killing or wounding more than 1,800 Confederates in less than an hour.

Stones River National Cemetery

A ray of sunlight shines on the ground at Stones River National Cemetery.

More than 6,100 Union soldiers lie in Stones River National Cemetery.

The Chicago Board of Trade Battery

Two cannons sit in an icy field.

The men of the Chicago Board of Trade Battery got their first taste of combat at the Battle of Stones River and helped stem the Confederate tide from this position during the afternoon of December 31, 1862.

Union Infantry Program

Union soldiers fire muskets.

Living history programs help visitors visualize the trials of soldiers during the Battle of Stones River.

Bike Tour

Bicyclists ride down a road bracketed by trees.

Thousands of visitors enjoy biking and hiking through the park.