News Release

Battle of Stones River 163rd Anniversary Programs

NPS Photo - VIP Photographer Jane Powell

News Release Date: December 1, 2025

Contact: Jim Lewis, 615-661-5464

Stones River National Battlefield will host a series of programs to commemorate the 163rd anniversary of the Battle of Stones River from December 26, 2025 through January 2, 2026.  Fought from December 31, 1862 through January 2, 1863, the Battle of Stones River proved to be one of the bloodiest and most significant battles of the American Civil War. The slim Union victory bolstered northern morale, supported the changing Union war policy heralded by the Emancipation Proclamation, and set the stage for future campaigns through the Confederate heartland.

On December 26, 29 & 30, park rangers will present an 11 AM talk highlighting a unit or individual soldier's Stones River story. At 2 PM, rangers will lead guided battlefield tours lasting about 90 minutes.

Weekend living history programs held December 27-28, will feature musket and cannon firing demonstrations in concert with ranger talks exploring one or more of the key events that shaped the Battle of Stones River. Programs will take place at 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM & 3 PM each day near the park visitor center.

On December 31, park rangers will lead walks at key battlefield locations at the very time that some of the most critical actions raged 163 years ago. Visitors can enjoy these Real Time Walks at 10 AM (Slaughter Pen), 1 PM (Hell's Half Acre), and 3 PM (Cotton Field).

Programs on January 1, 2026, will focus on the battle’s role in transforming the war into a major part of our nation’s ongoing effort to meet the goals established during our nation's founding with a 30-minute talk at 11 AM and a walk through the national cemetery at 2 PM. More living history programs are on tap for January 2 focusing on the climactic fighting that raged along the banks of the Stones River on January 2, 1863. Artillery demonstrations will take place at the McFadden Farm Unit (2600 Van Cleve Lane) at 11 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM & 3 PM.

Go to https://www.nps.gov/stri/planyourvisit/calendar.htm for a complete program schedule of dates, times and locations. The Stones River National Battlefield main entrance is located at 1563 N. Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro. The visitor center is one mile from the entrance. Additional information is available at the visitor center, by calling [phone] or at the park website (http://www.nps.gov/stri).