Stones River | Dec 31, 1862
The Opportunity
At Stones River, the Trust has an opportunity to preserve a 30.5-acre tract that witnessed Union and Confederate combat and troop movements on the morning of the battle’s first day. The property is adjacent to land already being preserved but is threatened by residential development; protecting it could also create opportunities to connect preserved battlefield lands with trails and additional on-site interpretation.
Want to learn more? Visit this page for more information and history related to this campaign.
The History
William J. Hardee’s Second Corps divisions of Patrick R. Cleburne and John P. McCown sweep forward at dawn, surprising the Union corps of Alexander M. McCook. Many of the Yankees were cooking breakfast in their camps when the Confederate attack arrived. McCook fell back behind the Wilkinson Turnpike, as heavy fighting flowed toward the Thomas Blanton family farm. Hardee’s third division under John C. Breckenridge was posted behind Stones River on the Confederate right. Leonidas Polk’s two divisions of Benjamin F. Cheatham and Jones M. Whithers occupy the Confederate center and support Hardee’s attack.
Related Battles
12,906
11,739
