Civil War Sites and Stones River Battlefield in Nashville, TN Area

Nashville, Tennessee is one city that has its share of Civil War sites. Middle and West Tennessee had different leanings during the War Between the States than did East Tennessee. This increased friction on both sides. Like all states, it was sometimes a scene of brother against brother and families that were split apart.

My family has traveled to Nashville several times. We still haven't seen all the historic sites. It is easy to overlook them amid all of the other attractions that this city has to offer.

Beginning in 2011, much of the nation will recognize the beginning of the 150th anniversary of the greatest internal conflict the U.S. has ever known. What better time to visit these historic sites?

#1 Civil War Sites and Stones River Battlefield in Nashville, TN area
Stones River National Battlefield
It was in 1962 that the Union troops overcame Confederate resistance at Stones River. Now, the site is a national park that allows visitors to learn more about the battle.

The Stones River National Battlefield visitor center is open from 8am-5pm daily except Christmas. There is no admission fee. Upgrades to the park tour route are planned to go into April 2011. During this time, visitors may experience delays or limited access to some areas of the park.

In addition to the battlefield visitors may want to see the Stones River National Cemetery and Fortress Rosecrans. The Fortress covers more than 200 acres and was designed to protect the railroad. This allowed need supplies of all types to flow into other areas of the country.

#2 Civil War Sites and Stones River Battlefield in Nashville, TN area
The Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson
While President Andrew Jackson was alive the home thrived as a working plantation. When he died in 1845 the home passed to his son. At the time of his death over 160 slaves worked on the plantation.

The Hermitage deteriorated under the care of Andrew Jackson's son. In what became the first historic preservation project in the nation, the home was rescued in 1889 by the Ladies Hermitage Organization. The ladies received care of the home, gardens and outbuildings.

The exhibit Stories of the Hermitage Slave Community is one of the popular features of The Hermitage as is the house and grounds. This is one of the more interesting Nashville area Civil War historic sites and battlefields that visitors won't want to miss.

Information on exhibits, prices and hours of operation are available by clicking the link above.

#3 Civil War Sites and Stones River Battlefield in Nashville, TN area
Sam Davis Home and Museum
This house is the home of Confederate war hero Sam Davis. A court marital by Union troops found Sam Davis to be a spy and information courier. He was sentenced to hang. After being asked one last time to divulge the source of documents that he carried Sam Davis uttered the now famous, "I would die a thousand deaths before I would betray a friend".

What preserved a friendship was unfortunate for his health. The gallows claimed his life on November 27, 1963. Today, this Nashville area Civil War historic sites stands as a testimony to his loyalty and spirit.

Today visitors can tour the grounds of the home of Sam Davis. Hours vary by season. Click this link for information on hours and prices.

These are just a few of the Civil War Sites and Stones River Battlefield in Nashville, TN area that tourists can enjoy. Find out more by visiting the website of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau .

Sources:
Personal Experience
National Park Service
The Hermitage.com
Sam Davis.com
Nashville Tourism