Posted: Monday, October 12, 2009 4:23 pm

Stones River National Battlefield will present an encampment and living
history programs at Fortress Rosecrans on Oct. 17-18, 2009.

These programs will help visitors understand the turbulent times of the Union
occupation following the Battle of Stones River.

Fortress Rosecrans was one of the largest earthen forts built during the
Civil War, and its construction was one of the most important strategic
results of the Battle of Stones River. It served as a strongpoint and
supply base for the Army of the Cumberland as it moved south to
Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1863 and continued to protect the Federal supply
lines during the Atlanta Campaign and the March to the Sea. The Fortress
and its garrison also impacted the lives of civilians living in and around
Murfreesboro


Daily Program Schedule


10 AM - Living Under the Guns: Visitors will experience life in occupied
Murfreesboro through the eyes of several soldiers and civilians. Civilian
perspectives will come from a woman struggling to maintain her home and
family, a local business man, and farmer turned guerilla. The military
perspective will come from the Provost, Quartermaster, and a member of the
First Middle Tennessee Cavalry, USA.


1 PM - Covered By Cross-fires: A member of the Pioneer Brigade will
describe how Fortress Rosecrans was designed and built while a cannon crew
demonstrates the deadly ability of artillery to defend their post from
enemy attack.

2 PM - Lines of Communication: Learn how the Signal Corps kept the far
flung Federal garrisons in middle Tennessee in touch with each other as
they demonstrate the uses of their equipment.

3 PM - Announcing Their Presence: Visitors will watch a cannon fire and
learn how the Union army practiced psychological warfare on the citizens of
Murfreesboro.

Visitors are also welcome to roam through the Fortress and spend time
asking the soldiers and civilians about how their lives were changed by the
Battle of Stones River and the ensuing Federal occupation.

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 or visit our website at http://www.nps.gov/stri.