CW150 Event - Fortress Rosecrans Encampment

Date: April 29, 2013
Contact: Jim Lewis, 615-893-9501

Photograph of the interior of Fortress Rosecrans.

Stones River National Battlefield will present an encampment and living history programs at Fortress Rosecrans on May 4-5, 2013. These programs will help visitors understand the turbulent times of the Union occupation following the Battle of Stones River.

During the winter and spring of 1863, the Union Army of the Cumberland, assisted by newly free people, built one of the largest earthen fortifications ever seen on our continent. Fortress Rosecrans served as a hub for the Union occupation of middle Tennessee, and played a key role in supporting the Union drive to take Chattanooga.

Visitors will walk the trails around the earthworks that still dominate the landscape 150 years later and explore the stories of soldiers and civilians whose lives were shaped by those massive fortifications.

Each day will begin at 9 AM with a ranger guided walk through the fortress. Artillery firings will punctuate the day at 10 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM much as they did during the Union occupation 150 years ago.

From 10:30 AM to noon and 1:30 to 3 PM visitors will have a chance to walk around the earthworks and stop at a number of locations to discover more about the lives of soldiers and civilians whose stories were affected by this massive supply depot. Each stop along the trail will feature activities that visitors can complete to earn one of the park's seven Civil War to Civil Rights trading cards.

Daily Program Schedule

9 AM - A Vast Storehouse- Join a park ranger on an hour-long walk through the Fortress and discover how it shaped the outcome of the Civil War.

10 AM - Covered By Crossfires- Watch a cannon fire and learn how artillery played a crucial role in defending the fortress and keeping the local population in check.

10:30 AM-12 PM - Behind the Walls: The Stories of Fortress Rosecrans - Visitors will walk around the earthworks to discover the myriad of stories shaped by Fortress Rosecrans. Program stops will include: Artillery Drill, Musket Drill, Quartermaster, Signal Station, Provost Marshal, Civilian Stories, United States Colored Troops, and demonstrations of daily soldier activities.

1 PM - Covered By Crossfires- Watch a cannon fire and learn how artillery played a crucial role in defending the fortress and keeping the local population in check.

1:30-3 PM - Behind the Walls: The Stories of Fortress Rosecrans- Visitors will walk around the earthworks to discover the myriad of stories shaped by Fortress Rosecrans. Program stops will include: Artillery Drill, Musket Drill, Quartermaster, Signal Station, Provost Marshal, Civilian Stories, United States Colored Troops, and demonstrations of daily soldier activities.

3 PM - Covered By Crossfires - Watch a cannon fire and learn how artillery played a crucial role in defending the fortress and keeping the local population in check.

These programs are part of a series of interpretive events designed to tell the story of the Battle of Stones River and the ensuing military occupation of Middle Tennessee. Fortress Rosecrans is located in Old Fort Park. Turn onto Golf Lane from TN 96 (Old Fort Parkway). For more information call 615-893-9501.