Posted: Saturday, May 29, 2010 9:35 am

On June 5-6, Stones River National Battlefield will present a series of programs that highlight how a significant event like the Battle of Stones River can be perceived in many different ways.

The Battle of Stones River was one of the most important battles of the Civil War.

The Union victory bolstered Northern morale and set the stage for decisive military campaigns into the heart of the Confederacy.

Soldiers and civilians had different reactions to the battle and its outcome.

During the weekend, their stories will come together to give visitors a fuller understanding of the how individual circumstances shape our perception of historical events.

The program schedule is as follows.

10 AM – Fighting for Murfreesboro – A Confederate soldier from Murfreesboro will share his local perspective of the battle. (Includes a Musket Firing Demonstration)

11 AM – A Battle Within a Battle – Visitors will learn of a litany of challenges and missed opportunities that cost the Confederate artillery a chance to play a more forceful role in the Battle of Stones River. (Includes a Cannon Firing Demonstration)

1 PM - The Slaughter Pen - A Federal and Confederate soldier will share their stories from one of the deadliest places on the battlefield. (Includes a Musket Firing Demonstration)

2 PM - The Line That Wouldn`t Break - Two soldiers will talk about the fighting along the Nashville Pike on December 31, 1862. (Includes a Cannon Firing Demonstration)

3 PM - Breckinridge`s Charge - Listen to the stories of two soldiers who fought in the final action of the Battle of Stones River. (Includes a Cannon Firing Demonstration)

We invite visitors to spend time in the camp area, which will open daily at 9 AM, in between the programs were they can share a number of unique civilian and military perspectives of the Battle of Stones River. Some of the featured stories in camp will be:

• Mrs. Hollie McFadden, a local widow whose farm was nearly destroyed by the fighting,
• The Signal Corps, soldiers dedicated to providing communications services for the Union army,
• The Artificers, men who repaired and maintained the cannons even in the midst of the fighting,
• The Quartermaster, who struggled to supply the army before, during, and after the fight,

These are just some of the unique perspectives of the Battle of Stones River that visitors will find as they talk with the soldiers and civilians in camp.

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, by calling (615) 893-9501 or at the park website (http://www.nps.gov/stri).