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Murfreesboro Travel Guide: 28 reviews and 80 photos

McFadden's Ford - Murfreesboro
McFadden's Ford
Where a Generation died

It was in Murfreesboro that my ancestors died, a long way from their home in Ohio. Members of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry were placed out on the Unions left flank. They had crossed Stones River at McFadden's Ford and set up camps, four deep. They were in the second line of troops. The fighting on the 30th (December) had been on the right flank and they had spent that day along the Nashville Road waiting for directions to stem the tide of Grey. They were never called. Sometime on the 31st, they moved down to the river and crossed. It looked like there battle was over and the New Year would find the two armies in siege preparation. That was not to be so.

The Fighting Returns
Artillery Monument - the Union Held - Murfreesboro

Artillery Monument - the Union Held

The sun was just begining to peak over the hill. The crest blocked a direct view of it, but it's rays were cutting into a thin shroud of mist. From atop the hill came the rebel yell and pandamonium broke out. Some men were not up, Billy was still in the sack suffering from a hacking spell that had lingered for months. Grabing musket and shot, no defense was possible. Heat ripped through my side and I knew it was bad as I toppled over. Soon, I was alone with the fighting having moved on. I knew I would die here. Soldiers in Grey began checking the dead and found me. I was carried back to a field hospital, soon to spend the war as a prisoner.

Tide turned.
Artillery that turned the battle - Murfreesboro

Artillery that turned the battle

Later, news reached the prisoners that the Confederacy had not succeeded in their attack. Artillery had been mounted on the rise beyond the ford and it had held the Rebel troops at bay. As quickly as we had been taken prisoner, we were abandoned where we were as the Confederate Army pulled out of Murfreesboro. Soon we were back in the arms of our conrades.

  • Last visit to Murfreesboro: Aug 2005
  • Intro Updated Nov 7, 2008
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Reviews (3)

Artillery Monument - Murfreesboro Artillery Monument Off The Beaten Path (1)

The events of the 2nd day (Jan 1) occurred on the left flank of the Union lines. The Confederate Army had formed... more travel advice

Gravestones - Murfreesboro Stones River National Cemetery Things to Do (2)

Like many national cemeteries this one began as a burial place for the Union dead. After the Battle of Stones River, the... more travel advice

Stones River Entrance - Murfreesboro Stones River National Battlefield Things to Do (2)

Stones River National Battlefield is one of those battles where both the Union and the Confederacy have the right to... more travel advice

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Comments (3)

  • Reply
    TravellerMel's Profile Photo
    Oct 21, 2010 at 11:36 AM

    Good write-ups on the Stones River National Battlefield. I enjoyed my visit as well - the history here is permeable, and the rangers do a wonderful job to bring the battle to life.

  • Reply
    sue&gene's Profile Photo
    Dec 26, 2008 at 6:28 PM

    Nice commentary.

  • Reply
    ATXtraveler's Profile Photo
    Nov 7, 2008 at 11:25 AM

    Thanks for the historical context of this city.

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