Misery at Murfreesboro - The Battle of Stones River (1862)

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For Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, the summer and fall of 1862 was a veritable roller coaster ride of emotion, from glimmering hope to hand-wringing despair.
For Davis, the Confederate summer offensive may well have been the South’s greatest chance for foreign recognition - but by the end of October, that moment had passed.
For Lincoln, far too cautious and deliberate generals allowed retreating Confederate armies to escape from Maryland and Kentucky. Both presidents had to accept that the conflict had no end in sight.
And yet, as 1862 drew to a close, both saw opportunity in central Tennessee. Fought in weather that had to match the mood of weary men, officers, presidents, and American people, this is the story of the clash along the banks of Stones River. This is the story of the Battle of Murfreesboro.
#civilwar #civilwarhistory #murfreesborotn
Narrated by Fred Kiger
Produced by Dan Irving
Published by Third Wheel Media
We're looking for sponsors for this channel. If you're interested in learning more about this limited opportunity, email: [e-mail]
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Some Characters Mentioned In This Episode:
Braxton Bragg
Don Carlos Buell
Willian Rosecrans
Philip Sheridan
Leonidas Polk
Julius P. Garesché
Recommendation for Further Reading: www.amazon.com/No-Better-Plac...

[@dougburt2449]

Battles in middle and east Tennessee are often overlooked. Thank you

[@PraiseDog]

Not to those of us who have a literacy concerning the Civil War. The West was just as important as the East in determining the outcome.

[@patrickcummins976]

My g.g. grandfather, Private John G. Cummins fought at Stones River for the KY. 3rd Vol. Infantry. He spent an additional 6 months there as part of the occupation by the Union Army to prevent the Confederates from retaking Murfressboro, TN. I've stood on the very locations at the battlefield where John G. Cummins was stationed throughout the battle. He went on to serve in a number of vicious battles through Georgia with Sherman. He survived the war and returned to a simple life of farming in rural Kentucky afterward.

[@alanaadams7440]

Thank you for sharing your story 😊

[@wojciechgrodnicki6302]

That’s an epic story. I’m surprised so many men in KY volunteered to defend the Union. The CSA seemed like it took KY for granted.

[@brucerider8361]

My GGG and GG Grandfathers also fought at Stones River. They were illiterate farmers from southern Indiana. Records show they attempted to join during the 90 day enlistment, but didn’t muster in until December; the 58th Volunteer Indiana Regiment, Company I became their wartime family. I misunderstood so much of their service for far too long. Family folklore said the father was known as “General Jones” after the war; both were Privates. I knew they were teamsters, so I assumed they just drove wagons. I stopped at Stones River for a few hours while traveling by (sounds like the discretion in this video!) added more light to their service. I had no idea they were near, much less served on this battlefield. Now I know four soldiers from Company I never left this battlefield. I listen to wonderful stories similar to this, trying to uncover a glimpse of their service. They were among tens of thousands who served in the western theater. Their Regiment was among the first to enter Chattanooga; became the left wing helping General Thomas earn his moniker “The Rock of Chickamagua.” The elder “General Jones” was wounded during the assault up Missionary Ridge, then reenlisted as a Veteran Volunteer; both marched with Sherman to the Sea; my GG Grandpa mustered out there having completed his three years of service and turned 20 during the final days of this historic campaign. “General Jones” continued working as a pontooner during Sherman’s march towards victory. He eventually Marched in the Grand Review in Washington DC. Then he heading back to his wife and other children, just another farmer in southern Indiana.

[@campbell1897]

That story is provably false. Try again...

[@JohnAnglin-lh7bs]

Likely they subdued the enemy; it was a definite turning point in the war

[@detroit12870]

I love how the story is well told without a bunch of stupid unnecessary explosions and whatnot

[@1987palerider]

Attended college at Middle Tennessee State in Murfreesboro and was able to swing by the battlefield one weekend. The modern mind boggles at getting caught in a fight like this

[@Rob-gy1dd]

Well I bet they were boggled too

[@leonstancliff7218]

I grew up, achieved two post grad degrees in history and taught history for 30 years in sight of this battlefield. There is an excellent museum, historic site, and docents present that are second to none if you are traveling that way. It is preserved to such an extent that the local road and railroad grid are unchanged to this day and are identical to the maps used in this battle analysis. Rosecrans army immediately located a supply depot that required 40,000 men to operate, within sight of the courthouse of a town of only 2,000 citizens. That depot sat squarely on top of a highway and rail hub that controlled access to the main pathway to Chattanooga/Atlanta as well as direct access to Birmingham and Huntsville. There was much more that happened here other than "win a battle and march on".

[@rockharvey5787]

I absolutely love this channel. I discovered it a week ago and I’ve listened to every video since then. I’m sad to be caught up!

[@The_Red_Off_Road]

Same for me! It’s really good stuff.

[@freedomforever3375]

Same here!

[@ThreadsfromtheNationalTapestry]

Thanks Rock! We're glad to have you here.

[@NealBones]

The pictures you show of Davis and Lincoln at the beginning really show how much the war itself and being the head of their respective nations during said war really took it's toll on them. Thank you as always for passionately preserving our history.

[@wojciechgrodnicki6302]

It’s the lack of sleep. It’s a killer.

[@shakermaker4]

I must say, I really love this channel. As a man in his late 30s who loves history, this is as good as it gets.

[@isisnmagic1812]

Great video love the narration, so glad to have found you a few weeks ago, you got a fan here in Scotland.

[@ndh2051]

It's a good day when there is a new drop on this channel

[@ryanandre3556]

Riveting! So well done, thank you.

[@rolandmiller5456]

Keep up the good work: this is an awesome series.

[@ronwarren4196]

My people were with the 8th Tennessee Volunteer Infantry at Murfreesboro.

[@ronwarren4196]

"Bully for Bragg, he is hell on retreat!"

[@lindaaumiller174]

Thank you for keeping history alive!

[@BA-gn3qb]

Braxton Bragg was one of the Union's most effective generals.

[@fett333]

Truth - showed a true talent in snatching defeat from the jaws of victory over and over again

[@apark91]

Only thing I wish you guys did was do the battles chronologically. Would have loved it done in order.

[@isisnmagic1812]

It's the only downside to an otherwise good channel.

[@ThreadsfromtheNationalTapestry]

Yeah, we didn't originally plan it that way and didn't realize how much interest we get. Maybe it's something we can try to organize down the road.

[@apark91]

@@ThreadsfromtheNationalTapestry I think your channel is phenomenal; really reminds me of the Ken Burns style documentary, but it's a bit discombobulating to go from a battle in 1862 to 1864 to 1861 and so forth and so forth. If I wasn't well informed on the topic, I might be very confused about how the war went in general.

[@murrayscott9546]

I Will Take You Home Again, Kathleen. Laura . Music has charms to soothe the savage beast . Not enough music - in this World.

[@jamesshemwell6868]

So far I've found all of the stories here very good. I especially like the ones about Shilo, Franklin and Murfreesboro to be some of the most interesting. I grew up in Clarksville and my father was from Stewart County so I was knew much more about Ft Donelson. I only wish I'd had the opportunity to have visited these other battle sites.

[@truthbetold8878]

Excellent narration!

[@joetamaccio9475]

I am enjoying the heck out of your histories . The detail is amazing . So many battles I never heard of . One point . Even the Assyrians had armored vehicles to protect advancing infantry !!!

[@tammygross144]

Well done. IMO, this was the pivotal turning point that spurred the still long war to its Union victory.

[@Brooks_M3]

I’d listen to you read a phone book 😂 these are amazing! Thank you for your hard work!

[@exposethenwo6491]

I have visited the site and took a tour in 2017.

[@mikechampion1614]

Its amazing how you can watch multiple videos. on the same historical events. And every time you get something New or understand something a bit deeper. This channel has done just that and much more. Much Respect Sir.

[@davidspencer6384]

A nice, well-presented, concise narrative. A very good series.

[@jord1242]

I lived in the boro was 5 min from the field. Really cool to drive by.

[@danielpuckett7792]

Thanks!

[@ThreadsfromtheNationalTapestry]

Thanks for your support!

[@Thej611]

Excellent work as usual! Keep up the good work!

[@superpunky4882]

Great job I am learning so much.

[@PlayboyHustler]

I am a direct descendant of John Hunt Morgan', of Morgan's Raider's..

[@TonyRedunzo]

Great narrative!

[@zackschooley5858]

As a history buff, I look forward to your videos. Is there a chance you could do a video on the battle of pea Ridge?

[@nathanappleby5342]

The narrator's appearance reminds me of Richard Dreyfuss. Bragg was indeed the Confederacy's controversial general, an overzealous disciplinarian who ordered the unnecessary execution of a man who wanted to leave for the right reasons, a bad personality which prevented him from getting along with those under him, and physical and mental illnesses which affected his ability to command. Above all, when the war began in 1861, he made it clear he did NOT support secession. Both armies had things in common: both army commanders were fifth in their respective West Point classes, Rosecrans an engineer, Bragg an artilleryman, both had an incompetent corps commander in the forms of McCook and Polk, (McCook's middle name happens to be the surname of the Union general who was defeated at First Bull Run at the beginning of the war), both did have a reliable corps commander amongst them in the forms of Thomas and Hardee as well as two hard fighting division commanders in the forms of Sheridan and Cleburne. Had Sheridan not readied his men in the early morning hours, thngs might have turned out much worse. On the Confederate side, it should be noted Bragg, with the exceptions of Hardee and Breckinridge, scapegoated the other generals for the right reasons: Polk and McCown for incompetence and Cheatham for being drunk. Lincoln was precise when he told Rosecrans the win at Murfreesboro was hard earned in the midst of a dismal winter for the Union cause especially as it came from who was then one of the Union's best generals and maneuverers. Much bloodshed and many taken prisoner, but for the Union cause, it was worth it. I learned material in this video I hadn't before. Let's see if this guy can come out with other good ones.

[@peterandolph7628]

Murfreesboro was once the capitol of Tennessee

[@The_Red_Off_Road]

That is true. Also, the geographical center of TN is just north of MTSU.

[@trajan0707]

Thank You Bragg, he was the best Allied the North had. Why didn't someone in higher command get him out of there..?? Bragg is one of the biggest reason we did so bad in the West.

[@mikechampion1614]

Bragg did the men at Shiloh dirty to.when despite the hornets nest being a waste of good soldiers. Because of the thorns,trees etc.and very effective artillery support for the union forces present.despite 3 different requests for artillery support to deal with the union artillery and forces. He said no every time.and basically accused a wounded general of being a coward.just for requesting in person. The Hornets Nest cost more lives needlessly.becaus of Bragg. Only Ruggles ordering artillery support.won broke the Hornets nest disaster.

[@BedeLaplume]

Really interesting research, montage and narration documentary..

[@MTL-ew7ng]

AMAZING NARRATING. Can we have more maps that shows the units movements

[@user-zy7bq3yn2t]

Bragg was a terrible general why was he so honored after the war especially after losing Atlanta

[@DialitDown]

My 4th gg grandfather fought in this battle with the Union. Thank you so much for this. I’m trying to learn as much as I can about his life.

[@rickwamsley8702]

Great sireis, seems like the country is moving in the same direction now except instead North vs South it's Government vs We the People.

[@bertb5992]

agreed, its a sad state. hopefully calmer heads prevail. And the country can come together again.

[@robertwilliams3527]

I feel like I’m listening to Paul Harvey The rest of the story.

[@formalbug5716]

*Union Gang Represent*

[@thomaslinton5765]

"Calvary" A mountain in Palestine

[@alanmoffat4454]

WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER REGIMENTS MADE OF PEOPLE WHO CAME TOO AMERICA SCOTS, IRISH , GERMANS. 😮😊

[@CSAFD]

April 6/7,1862 is where the south lost the war of federal nazi aggression.

[@TomED1948]

I wouldn’t say it was “sad” that someone as incompetent as Bragg remained in charge. It would result in a Union victory far faster. The slaughter that would happen under his command however is sad.

[@TomED1948]

Also, a delightful video. Very well done!

[@EthiopianAndAmericanTradFamily]

​@@TomED1948 You worship George Floyd, we get it. BLM

[@FryingTiger]

Mur Free. It is not thay hard.

[@paulmackenzie4752]

It doesn't really have to do with anything but I can't help my curiosity why do you talk with your eyes closed?

[@tammygross144]

Same question!

[@Lance_Lough]

It's Cavalry...Calvary was a biblical hill in Israel..

[@Sgtklark]

Thanks!

[@ThreadsfromtheNationalTapestry]

Thank you!