Stones River National Battlefield park rangers and volunteers will present a variety of programs to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Stones River. From Dec. 31, 1862 to Jan. 2, 1863, more than 81,000 soldiers struggled for control of Middle Tennessee in the fields and forests near Murfreesboro. The costly Union victory inflicted nearly 24,000 casualties on the opposing armies and had profound military, political and social consequences.
Commemoration programs begin with a ranger led bus tour to key points of the Stones River Campaign. The tour is from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 22, beginning at visitor center with stops at Nolensville, Triune, LaVergne and other locations where these historical events unfolded. This tour will give participants a chance to understand how the movements of the armies onto the battlefield shaped the final conflict. Tickets are $25 which includes a boxed lunch. Reservations are required and must be made by Dec. 10.
In addition, the park will host numerous ranger led talks, walks and caravan tours focusing on the various topics and events of the Stones River Campaign 150 years ago Dec. 26 - Jan. 2, 2013. Program topics include Stones River Stories, Living Under the Gun, The Slaughter Pen, Hell’s Half Acre, The Eye of the Storm, Mr. Lincoln’s Proclamation, a living history program presented by nearly 300 volunteers with infantry demonstrations, cannon firings and interpretive camps.
Activities are not limited to adults, young visitors can gather at the family activity tent from 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Dec. 29-30 and complete activities to earn a special 150th Anniversary Junior Ranger badge.
To make reservations, call 615 893-9501 or e-mail stri_information@nps.gov. For more information and detailed program schedules, visit www.nps.gov/stri.
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