stones river tennesseestones river tennessee

There are some riffles in this area, but we encountered no hazards on our trip. Foreclosures. It varies from fairly clear to murky depending on recent weather conditions. Mostly shaded with some sun. Approximately 5,000 Confederates crossed half a mile of open field, torn from front and flank by massed artillery, and nearly broke the Union line in a desperate charge. Fortress Rosecrans, Stones River National Battlefield, Rutherford County, TN | December 31, 1862. The Stones River hosts a diverse wildlife and provides habitat to a wide variety of species including rare plant, fish, and salamander species. Stones River National Battlefield, established in 1927 and encompassing an area of about 1 square mile (2.6 square km), preserves the site and includes Stones River National Cemetery (1865). In some places the two armies were separated by only a few hundred yards. The Stones River National Battlefield, located three miles northwest of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is administered by the National Park Service. This is a very popular area for road biking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The immediate area is also the site of a state mental hospital and the Tennessee School for the Blind. There are several riffles below the confluence of Overall Creek. During the months after the battle, the Union army remained in Murfreesboro and built an impressive earthworks called Fort Rosencrans to make sure the Confederate army would not try to retake that part of the state. Plan Your Visit - Stones River National Battlefield (U.S. National Park Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. To learn more about the Battle ofStones River, click here to visit the web site of the Stones River National Battlefield. It has literally changed my life as well as my family and friends. My wife and I usually eat some crab at Joes Crab Shack in downtown Nashville. After that there is a restroom at Shelby Bottoms a few more miles away. Between December 31, 1862, and January 2, 1863, a fierce battle took place in Rutherford County. 100% 2 Reviews. Secondly, spend a lot of time at the visitor center. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. You can do that by going to the NPS calendar for the Stones River Battlefield. Site 3 - 50 amp / water. Not cool. Pretty scenery, very basic walking trail. The Battle of Stones River (December 31, 1862January 2, 1863) was a major engagement of the American Civil War fought 3 miles (5 km) northwest of Murfreesboro. The wildlife here is abundant. Paved path is excellent for biking or walking. Key Commanders Braxton Bragg, Confederate Commander, was "a puzzling mixture of competence and ineptness." I'd say more like 11.5 miles from the Percy Priest Dam to Shelby Bottoms park. Braggs decision to set up a headquarters far removed from the battlefield further added to the tactical confusion. Upon breaking through the first line, his men were instructed to wheel and drive to interdict Rosecranss supply line on the Nashville Turnpike. Bragg was only too willing to believe this news, and he confidently withheld a new assault and waited to take possession of an uncontested field. Looking forward to riding it in the fall. Stones River was written by Tammy Calvin Weller, former Park Ranger at Stones River National Battlefield and Michael Harris, former principal at Bethesda Elementary School in Thompson Station, Tennessee, and a longtime volunteer for the park. Every day, thousands of people pass right through a battlefield in Murfreesboro most of them with no idea of the carnage that occurred there. Victory at Stones River opened the way into the Confederate heartland. Murfreesboro, 81,000 Americans took part in this battle. The staggering losses at Stones River compelled both armies to spend months trying to regain their strength and come to terms with the causes of the winter bloodshed. very nice paved greenway. Great views of the river with a few minor foot paths leading down to the river. The actual Stones River battlefield is several times larger than the national military park that exists today. Its good to get out before it is scorching. While the American Battlefield Trust has worked to protect Stones River, development continues to threaten this hallowed ground. Spectacularly maintained. Learn about the different ways you can connect to Stones River National Battlefield. Overall, its a good trail. There are some hills, a few that are particularly steep, which makes for some strenuous, but not too challenging parts. Hazens Monument, which was built by Union soldiers only weeks after the Battle of Stones River, lies right beside the track that leads from Nashville to Chattanooga. Stones River Cedar Glade - Tennessee State Government The armies spent January 1 dressing their lines and tending to their wounded. You can start at a number of very cool Trailheads. Awesome path especially if you love hills. Wooden Posts every .25 miles to show you your progress. Cool morning weather had a lot to do with the enjoyment. Great little gem in the Nashville area. Wheelchair accessibility throughout the greenway. Nice Mill Army Corps of Engineering Park site on Sulphur Spring Road. In November 1867, the bodies of 1,360 Union soldiers were removed to Stones River from Rose Hill Cemetery in Columbia, Tennessee, where a national cemetery had earlier been planned.[14]. The First American President: Setting the Precedent, African Americans During the Revolutionary War, Help Save 125 Battlefield Acres in Virginia, Help Restore History at Gettysburg, Cold Harbor & More, Help Us Save Hallowed Ground in Tennessee and Kentucky, Help Save 820 Acres at Five Virginia Battlefields, Save 343 Acres at FIVE Battlefields in FOUR Western Theater States, Save 42 Historic Acres at the Battle of Chancellorsville, Support the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act, Stop the Largest Rezoning in Orange County History. Instead, he distributed a whiskey rationmost welcome in the freezing weatherand ordered his men forward at dawn. Wildlife was abundant on this stretch of the river. Clover Bottom also is the separation of the Nashville neighborhoods of Donelson and Hermitage. Trails within the park allow visitors to get closer to nature, while the Murfreesboro Greenway system connects visitors to portions of the battlefield by foot or bike. [1] It is named after explorer and longhunter Uriah Stone, who navigated the river in 1767. It was awesome. Not-so-green greenway in February but the sun and water views make up for it on this lovely day. The days fighting would give it another nameHells Half-Acre.Maj. Gen. Leonidas Polks corps, its men exhausted after fighting against Sheridan, launched a series of piecemeal but violent attacks that failed to dislodge the Union defenders. Great trail with plenty of options to make it whatever length you want if you continue on to Shelby Bottoms. The river roughly parallels US 41 and traffic noises can be heard on this stretch. The Stones River (properly spelled Stone's River)[2] is a major stream of the eastern portion of Tennessee's Nashville Basin region[1] and a tributary of the Cumberland River. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 51 min to complete. First time on this trail. Check or FAQs for more common login questions, Heartland Park trailhead, 3135 Heartland Drive, Two Rivers Park, Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge, 3114 McGavock Pike. Some, however, were buried in a mass grave south of town. Stones River | American Battlefield Trust there are a few options for going around it, but nothing all that orthodox. Overall the trail has a few minor challenges but it rewards you with an awesomeness! Gorgeous trail. A driving tour, walking trails, museum, bookstore and living history events are offered from the Visitor Center. [3], The national battlefield was established through the efforts of both private individuals, the Stones River Battlefield and Park Association, the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway (in 2011, part of CSX Transportation), and a 1927 act of Congress authorizing a national military park under the jurisdiction of the War Department. Styles, 65; Jesse W. Sparks, "Stones River Battlefield and Park Association,". Good to get out and walk. Phil Sheridans desperate defense during the late morning of December 31 averted a full-scale rout. On January 2, 1863 two days after the first day of fighting Confederate General John Breckinridges infantry division attempted to cross the river here in an attempt to take a hill fortified by no less than 57 union cannon. Up, up and up the very, very steep hill to ride under McGavock Pike/Two Rivers Park. His armies were stalled, and the terrible defeat at Fredericksburg spread a pall of defeat across the nation. Really enjoyed the variety of scenery along this ride. An absolutely gorgeous fall morning. Basic Information - Stones River National Battlefield (U.S. National The American Battlefield Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Trip Length: 6.7 Miles, Four hours at a leisurely pace. The scenery is nice, but the trail is an up-and-down one that will give your thighs a good workout. On March 3, 1927, the site was established as Stones River National Military Park. Shaded and off road this beautiful trail runs along the Stones river. We start at the YMCA Trailhead and rode down the river to where it spits you out at Kohls. Over 1,800 attackers became casualties, roughly 36% of Breckinridges total force. The somewhat positive result of Braggs unforced retreat provided an important boost to Northern morale, turned international opinion further against the Confederacy, and solidified the Federal hold on Tennessee. The park preserves less than a fifth of the more than 3,000 acres (12km2) over which the battle was fought.[4]. Gettysburg had a casualty rate of 31%. The upstream portion of its course runs roughly parallel to U.S. Highway 231. Good way to start the day. Union advances to Chattanooga, Atlanta, and Savannah crippled the South's ability to supply its armies and sapped civilian support for the war. Provided by Touchpoints Contact Info Mailing Address: 3501 Old Nashville Highway Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Phone: 615-893-9501 Contact Us Updates? Omissions? Join us online July 24-26! In 1906, the company erected a 31-foot (9.4m) obelisk to commemorate the January 2, 1863, position of massed Union artillery used to repel a Confederate assault on Union troops across the river. The retreat was an arduous 200-mile trek in which many of the troops were without shoes and had little to eat. This trail offers many different options based on your choice of running, biking, hiking or walking. You'll find Econo Lodge Inn & Suites right off of Interstate 24 in western Murfreesboro, close to shopping, dining and a number of the area's top attractions. Fact#3: Maj. Gen. John McCowns division had whiskey for breakfast before their dawn assault on December 31. Successful execution would require the massive attacking formation to maintain a cohesive shape as it changed direction across extremely difficult terraindense cedar thickets, stony outcroppings, rail fencesin the face of enemy fire. Federal Identification Number (EIN): 54-1426643. Mile 2-4: Once you pass the first highway bridge over the river, there is very little evidence of human encroachment for the remainder of the trip. TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy, We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors, Stewarts Ferry Park (Nashville Shores) and Shelby Bottoms (J. Percy Priest Dam). If you start at 2 Rivers Park, dont miss the first couple miles of the trail with the pedestrian bridge over the Cumberland River. Murfreesboro's Stones River Greenway System | Tennessee Trails - TrailLink It has been expanded in recent years and has some wonderful exhibits and a great film about the Civil War and the Battle of Stones River. Stones River Regional Library | Tennessee Secretary of State You need to be aware of a low dam near a water treatment plant on the left bank. It is named after explorer and longhunter Uriah Stone, who navigated the river in 1767.[3][4]. In the weeks that followed, however, it began to take the shape of a Union victory. The climb between the Waterworks and McGavock is challenging for new riders but rewarding. The Stones River Battlefield Tour is Now a Must-Do, Thanks to Its Regular Brigade Civil War Monument.[12]. Ascension Saint Thomas Stones River | Ascension Nice cool sunny day. Stones River National Battlefield December 31 - January 2, 1863 The Battle of Stones River Murfreesboro The day after Christmas, 1862, Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecrans ' Army of the Cumberland left Nashville and marched toward Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg 's Army of Tennessee at Murfreesboro, 30 miles to the south. The Majority of our funds go directly to Preservation and Education. While Burnside met with disaster at Fredericksburg and Grants efforts against Vicksburg stalled, Rosecrans bemoaned a lack of supplies and did not advance until December 26. The death of Colonel Garesche is depicted in this drawing on the wall of the visitor center. The take out is just below on the right. Battle of Stones River | Tennessee, Union Victory, Confederate Defeat [8], Since 1997 the American Battlefield Trust and its partners have acquired and preserved 74 acres (0.30km2) of the battlefield in five acquisitions. Plenty of space for bikes and pedestrians in most places on the trail. Stones River, where Breckinridges men crossed. There was also the Emancipation Proclamation to consider. The American Battlefield Trust and our members have saved more than 74 acres at Stones River Battlefield. This places the charge at Stones River behind only Picketts Charge at Gettysburg in terms of attacker casualty percentage. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. There are so many stunning nature scenes and views. Stones River National Battlefield - Tennessee | Park Ranger John Allow for about two (2) hours to see the museum and take the self-guided battlefield tour. The next day, while General Rosecrans was trying to rally his troops to stop the Confederate onslaught, a cannonball beheaded Garesche while he was riding alongside his commanding general. A fierce battle took place at Stones River between December 31, 1862 and January 2, 1863. After the failed charge on January 2, Bragg realized that he could not win another fight against Rosecranss strengthened army and elected to retreat back to Tullahoma, Tennessee. Just outside the cemetery proper is the Hazen Brigade Monument (1863), the oldest surviving American Civil War monument standing in its original location. We stopped on a gravel bar and marveled at the variety and number of muscle shells in the river. Stones River Battle Facts and Summary - American Battlefield Trust Water was high. "Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to the Streams of Tennessee" by Bob Sehlinger and Bob Lantz. Did 3 miles out and back from the trailhead. New construction. I started at Percy Priest Dam trailhead and rode the entire trail then continued across the awesome pedistrian bridge over the Cumberland River to pick up the Shelby Bottoms Greenway. In the words of historian Grady McWhiney: The Confederate assault on December 31 began before Rosecrans could put his plan in motion and thus forced the Union army to go on the defensive, but the flaws in Braggs plan reaped bloody consequences. Bragg chose the terrain of the battle because the cedar thickets in the area were so thick that he knew it would be very difficult for the Union army to move its artillery (cannon) through the area. Meanwhile, some of the soldiers built a monument to their fallen comrades in the battle. Well maintained paved trail. Throughout five days of battle, the most intense being December 31 and January 2, the National Park Service claims that nearly 24,000 men on both sides became casualties out of 81,000 engageda 29% casualty rate. The night before the battle, General Garesche gave away his possessions, believing he would not survive the battle. Beautiful Greenway in every direction. Hotel in Murfreesboro, TN | Econo Lodge Official Site | Econo Lodge They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Upon returning to the SRG (ride under the RR bridge on your return) you will continue downhill to a gorgeous boardwalk at/above the rivers edge. The greenway takes you away from the majestic Two River Mansion but it is worth the ride through the park to visit. The American Battlefield Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Other than that excellent trail. Learn how and when to remove this template message, U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Stones River, Nashville-Davidson County government's Nashville Greenways Project website, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stones_River&oldid=1150260913, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from July 2018, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 17 April 2023, at 04:20. Stones River Murfreesboro Rutherford County, TN | Dec 31, 1862 - Jan 2, 1863 The Union squeaked out a victory in a bloody conflict at Stones River, which boosted morale in the North and gave the Federals control of central Tennessee. It would be so nice if real bathrooms with sinks and water were put about every 3-4 miles and the parking areas lit up. The battle produced important military and political gains for the Union, and it changed forever the people who lived and fought here. You will love the following scenic section by riding the wide closed roadway by the beautiful Stone Hall mansion, a rustic log cabin, the SR and the defunct Ravenwood CC. [3] [4] Geography and hydrography [ edit] Stones River along the Murfreesboro Greenway Pretty busy with bikers but it was a beautiful day so not unexpected. J. Percy Priest Lake, which has 213 miles (343 km) of shoreline and covers most of the rivers length, is impounded by a dam completed in 1968. Next, you will arrive at the Kohls trailhead and cross the SR on a bike/walk dedicated steel truss bridge. At a point along the trail you can avoid a steep up-and-down by taking the marked handicap by-pass. On this trip, water conditions and levels were excellent. Per other reviews; there are a few stops with porta-potties (they are constructing a nice facility at the dam), no good access to water/drinks, no emergency repair stations and a few steeper than normal trail grades. On December 26, 1862, the Union Army of the Cumberland left Nashville to meet the Confederates. Why Stones River? Between Percy Priest Dam and the mouth of the Stones River, the river flows through Clover Bottom, a large flood plain and site of a former plantation whose Clover Bottom Mansion house, after many years of disuse, neglect, and vandalism, is now the headquarters for the Tennessee Historical Commission. Makes for a great out and back! Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The suspects were later convicted and sentenced to substantial prison terms. Monitoring of our Streams. This new attack was led by Patrick Cleburne along with two fresh divisions under Maj. Gen. Benjamin Cheatham and Maj. Gen. Jones Withers. Great fall hike. The TWK Conference has access to many parallel paths that lead to clergy health and well-being. Scroll down to all upcoming events or choose a specific date on the calendar. Extremely well done! His stubbornness had robbed the Confederate assault of vital momentum. Made a mistake by leaving Lebanon Rode and riding up to the golf course near Ravenswood Mansion. Between December 31, 1862, and January 2, 1863, a fierce battle took place in Rutherford County. Although paved, there are some areas where the asphalt has cracks/puckers from tree roots. On December 31, 1862, the Confederate Army of Tennessee led by General Braxton Bragg and the Union Army of the Cumberland under General William Rosecrans faced off in the Battle of Stones River, also known as the Battle of Murfreesboro, in Tennessee. I'd like to personally thank all the people that planned and constructed the Stones River Greenway. I have been riding this paved trail once or twice a year for the past 15 years. Cordell Hull Lake. General Bragg's Confederates withdrew after the battle, allowing General Rosecrans and the Union army to control middle Tennessee. The killing contributed to Breckinridges belief that Bragg did not have enough concern for the lives of his men. . This trail is absolutely gorgeous! It's a place where lives are changed and comradery is exercised. [6] In 1912, the Association lobbied to have Congress "establish an accurate system of markers," but the measure failed, in part because of the testimony of former congressman and Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Park Commissioner Charles H. Grosvenor, who believed the landmarks had been "entirely obliterated. The community has invested a lot of thought and money to make this greenway a wonderful trail. The blue line was eventually bent into a right angle along the Nashville Turnpike, but it was not broken. As part of Braggs attack force, John McCown did not want to reveal his position by the light of cook-fires on the morning of the 31st. Like so many Civil War battlefields, it is easy to become overwhelmed by all that there is to learn while you are there. Its a bit hilly in places but worth the effort. Most places where people fought and died have long been converted to peoples yards, highways, shopping areas and other developments. McCown was drawn away from the Wilkinson Turnpike as his men pursued the scattering Federals. The homes along the river are high-end, well tended properties and dont detract from the beauty of the river. This stream is roughly paralleled by U.S. Route 70S. Battle of Stones River - Wikipedia Monument To be Preserved, Tornado Strikes Stones River National Battlefield Park, U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Stones River National Battlefield (Park), U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Stones River National Battlefield (Locale), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stones_River_National_Battlefield&oldid=1056976169, This page was last edited on 24 November 2021, at 17:37.