Murfreesboro, TN Summary

At the outbreak of the Civil War, the quiet rural community of Murfreesboro was largely known for being the former capital of Tennessee. After the state legislature relocated to Nashville in 1826, the town’s focus became its three state colleges.

This city is off US-41/70S, 30 miles southeast of Nashville and is one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing cities (population 59,506). Its new economic focus is the local Nissan car plant, plus medical and hightech industries.

Strategically positioned on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, control of Murfreesboro was vital during the Civil War.

After engaging in several clashes throughout 1862, the Union army was determined to recapture the town. An enormous earthwork fort was dug at its city limits and, during the following winter, 83,000 combined forces fought at Stones River. Over 23,000 men lost their lives in the bloodiest battle west of the Appalachians.

Stones River National Battlefield covers 570 acres of parkland and has more than 6,000 Union graves in its cemetery. It also has the oldest Civil War Monument in the nation. Much of the battlefield lies on private land off Old Nashville Highway in Murfreesboro. Every July, the city hosts a Civil War Encampment, in full period regalia, at the battlefield.

The Pioneer Village of Cannonsburgh is a collection of reconstructed frontier buildings.

Other places worth exploring include the plantation estate of Oaklands, and Fortress Rosecrans, an earthwork built by African-American Union troops to protect Murfreesboro’s depot and supplies.

The nearest airport is Nashville International, where train and bus services are also available.