Cannons and crews from several states will assemble on the battlefield to tell the story of the artillery at the Battle of Stones River and demonstrate the firing of Civil War cannon.

The physical and psychological impact of artillery played a critical role in the Union victory at Stones River.

Union artillery batteries stopped Confederate attacks at the most crucial moments of the fight.

The big guns will fire at 10 and 11 a.m., 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Saturday and 10 and 11 a.m., 1 and 2 p.m. Sunday near the visitor center.

Visitors will get a chance to try their hand at artillery drill each morning at 10:30 and 11:30 and each afternoon at 1:30 as the soldiers take them to the guns for intense instruction in the art of firing a cannon.

The battery camp will be open to the public and will feature special demonstrations of civilian activities such as cloth dyeing and butter churning.

Visitors are encouraged to join the soldiers and civilians in camp and ask them questions about life on and off the battlefield.

Program times are subject to change due to weather conditions.

These programs are part of a series of interpretive programs offered at the battlefield during the year.

Stones River National Battlefield is located on the Old Nashville Highway, northwest of Murfreesboro. Additional information is available at the visitor center, 893-9501 or at the park website.