145th Anniversary of the Battle of Stones River in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

All year round Stones River National Park has interesting and educational programs led by park rangers and volunteers. Each year on the anniversary of the battle (December 31st 1861 to January 1st, 1862), there is a significant increase in the number of spectacular programs being offered. This year is no exception, there are many special events being held at the national park from the 26th of December to the 2nd of January, ranging from talks to reenactments (both civilian & soldiers) to weaponry demonstrations. This is a great place to bring the whole family, young and old alike enjoy talking with the soldiers, learning what their lives were like, and seeing the demonstrations. If you are not interested in talking with the soldiers there will be civilian reenactments also. I nearly forgot to tell you the best part - all these programs are free and open to the public and there is no admission charge to get into the park.

Stones River National Battlefield is located in Murfreesboro, TN about 30 miles southeast of Nashville at 3501 Old Nashville Hwy. The park's operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily - the park is only closed on Christmas Day. If you want to call and learn more about the park the number is 615-893-9501 or visit their website: http://nps.gov/stri. In addition to these special events listed below the park has a wonderful museum, bookstore, national cemetery, several monuments, a self-guided driving tour (you can rent a CD or buy it to take with you), and there is a video about the battle to watch.

Wednesday, December 26th - 28th:
11:00 a.m.The Approaching Thunder, a 30 minute Ranger talk that highlights the events of each day of the Stones River Campaign.
1:00 p.m.A Soldier's Story, a 30 minute Ranger/Volunteer talk telling the story of a solder who fought in the Battle of Stones River.
2:00 p.m.A Ride Through History, a 90 minute drive to four sites to learn about the events and people associated with the Battle of Stones River. Visitors follow the ranger in their vehicles.

Saturday, December 29th:
10:00 a.m. The Approaching Thunder, a 30 minute Ranger talk about the first five days of the Stones River Campaign.
10:30 a.m.Cutting Off the Enemy, a 30 minute Confederate Cavalry demonstration.
11:00 a.m.Dawn Attack, a 30 minute Confederate Infantry demonstration.
11:30 a.m.Fighting Back, a 30 minute Union Artillery demonstration.
12:00 p.m.The Slaughter Pen, a 30 minute Union Infantry demonstration.
1:00 p.m.Hell's Half Acre, a 30 minute Confederate Artillery demonstration.
1:30 p.m.Fighting for the Trains, a 30 minute Confederate Cavalry demonstration.
2:00 p.m.The Line That Wouldn't Break. a 30 minute combined Arms ration.
3:00 p.m.The Line That Wouldn't Break, a 30 minute Confederate Cavalry demonstration.

Sunday, December 30th:
10:00 a.m.The Approaching Thunder, a 30 minute Ranger talk.
10:30 a.m.Watching the Enemy, a 30 minute Confederate Cavalry demonstration.
11:00 a.m.Opening the Fight, a 30 minute Confederate Artillery demonstration.
11:30 a.m.The Orphan Brigade, a 30 minute Confederate Infantry demonstration.
12:00 p.m."The Very Forest Seemed to Fall," a 30 minute Confederate Artillery demonstration.
1:00 p.m.Back and Forth, a 30 minute Union Infantry demonstration.
2:00 p.m.Three Cheers, a 30 minute Combined Arms demonstration.

Monday, December 31st:
11:00 a.m.The Union Approach, near the Visitor's Center.
12:00 p.m.The Slaughter Pen, at Tour Stop #2, includes Infantry Demonstration.
1:00 p.m.Hell's Half Acre, at Tour Stop #5, includes Infantry Demonstration.
2:00 p.m.The Fight for Nashville Pike, at the Visitor Center, includes Artillery Demonstration.
3:00 p.m.Breckinridge's Charge, at the Visitor Center, includes Artillery Demonstration.

Tuesday, January 1st:
11:00 a.m. The Union Approach, a 30 minute talk at the Visitor Center.
1:00 p.m.Forever Free, a discussion about the Emancipation Proclamation with a park ranger.
2:00 p.m.A Ride through History, a 90 minute drive to four sites to learn about the events and people associated with the Battle of Stones River. Visitors follow a park ranger in their vehicles.

Wednesday, January 2nd:
11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.The Very Forest Seemed to Fall, a cannon demonstration with stories of Union and Confederate soldiers.

References:
Handout from the Stones River National Battlefield about the special events & personal experience with the park.