The National Park Getaways series of travel articles (www.nps.gov/getaways) heads to Stones River National Battlefield for the 148th anniversary of a crucial battle of the Civil War.
This engagement, fought from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863, comes to life at the national park that commemorates it. You’ll hear cannons thunder and muskets fire. The pungent smell of gunpowder will filter into your nostrils, while the sight of living history demonstrators clad in blue greatcoats and Hardee hats reminds you that the thousands of Union soldiers interred nearby in Stones River National Cemetery (part of the park) were real people. They had families, friends, and plans for the future—all of which they sacrificed to preserve the United States.
The rangers and living history interpreters at Stones River National Battlefield put a human face not only on the battle that raged here but on the entire Civil War. The drama of this four-year conflict is thrown into relief by contrast with peaceful natural surroundings—fields, woodlands, and the placid Stones River. You can explore these and other features of the park by car, foot, or bicycle; kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge and patch while on their rambles.
For more information about this great getaway destination, check out this week’s article in the Getaways series—and read up on parks highlighted in previous weeks—at www.nps.gov/getaways.
