Battle of Stones River Reenactment a Success

By Gregory L. Wade · Originally published January 2022 · pp. 24–27

Approximately 2,000 reenactors from across the country gathered outside Lebanon, Tenn., for a reenactment of the New Year’s Eve 1862, and January 1-2, 1863, Battle of Stones River. The event, held on private property near Lebanon just north of Murfreesboro, was organized by members of the Atlanta Campaign, a nonprofit that puts on similar events around the country. Mike Johnson of Christiana, Tenn., visited the camps with son Tuck, age four, who especially liked the artillery and cavalry. Referring to a large Newfoundland dog running among the cannon to the delight of the crowd, Tuck said, “the dog was fun to!” After Major General William Rosecrans assumed command of the Federal Army of the Cumberland in 1862, he and his army of 40,000 men marched on Murfreesboro, just thirty miles south of Nashville, to challenge Confederate General Braxton Bragg’s Army of Tennessee. The two forces collided in one of the largest battles of the Civil War that ensured misery for the town and soldiers at the end of 1862. Technically a Federal victory since the Confederates abandoned the field, both sides were severely depleted with 24,000 casualties. On Saturday, the reenactors participated in a dawn morning fight in a heavy fog as well as a Sunday morning surprise attack by the Federals on the Confederate camps. Participants from all over the country attended with several from New York, Wisconsin, and Florida. Organizer Earl Zeckman commented to the Lebanon Democrat there were soldiers from as far away as Alaska. There was a period Saturday night dance and a well-attended Sunday morning church service. Since covid began, this is one of the first major events held for the reenacting community; by all accounts it was a success. “The battles were well thought out and lasted a long time,” said Mike Hoover of the Williamson (Tennessee) Grays. “It was one of the better events in quite a while,” he added. Crisp autumn nights and warm, dry days helped make a successful weekend and participants are optimistic the landowner will consider future events. “Maybe there will be another battle scenario here in the future. If there is, sign me up,” said Tim Phillips of Nashville. The reenactment was visited by school groups viewing the battles as well as visiting camps and sutler’s row.

Gregory L. Wade is a longtime preservationist and writer from Franklin, Tenn. He has been involved in reclaiming ground around the core Franklin battlefield and has written numerous articles and columns related to the war in Middle Tennessee. Confederates on the move.

Chris Hawkins and horse “Dollar.” Sharon Drake, Piney Flats, Tenn. First Kentucky, USA.

Jack Mason Dixon, Desoto County Miss., 1st Miss Cavalry.

Andy Fulks Fall Creek Sutlery.

Stacked arms in Confederate camp.