The bloodiest New Year’s battle that saved Lincoln’s presidency and the Union cause

The Battle of Stones River, Tennessee

Union General William Rosecrans led 44,000 soldiers against Confederate General Braxton Bragg’s 35,000 men near Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

They fought from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863. Over 24,000 men were killed, wounded, or missing after three days of fighting.

Nearly 13,000 casualties later, the Union victory changed the war’s trajectory, strengthening Lincoln’s hand politically.

Here’s how it unfolded, commemorated now at Stones River National Battlefield where you can visit the site.

The Eve of Battle on December 30, 1862

Two massive armies camped just 700 yards apart near Stones River.

Both Rosecrans and Bragg planned to attack the enemy’s right flank at dawn. General McCook lit fake campfires to hide his weak spot.

Bands from both sides first competed, then played “Home Sweet Home” together on what would be the last night alive for thousands.

Hardee’s Dawn Attack – December 31, 1862

Confederate General Hardee struck at 6 am, catching Union soldiers during breakfast.

This surprise attack was the third time in the war that the Confederates had caught Union forces totally unprepared.

McCown’s division smashed into Johnson’s Union troops which resulted in the latter’s division losing over half its men.

Confederate soldiers captured several Union artillery batteries so quickly that the cannons never fired a single shot in defense.

McCook’s Collapsing Flank

Ten thousand Confederate soldiers swept forward in one massive wave, driving the Union right flank back three miles by 10 am.

General McCook’s line folded inward as his troops fell back. General Rosecrans canceled his own planned attack when he heard the bad news.

He quickly sent reinforcements to stop the collapse.

Union troops eventually formed a new line along the Nashville Pike and railroad, vital supply routes they couldn’t afford to lose.

Sheridan’s Stand at the Slaughter Pen

While other Union units retreated, General Sheridan’s men stood firm in dense cedar forests now named the “Slaughter Pen.”

Sheridan had prepared his troops before dawn, anticipating the attack.

His division fought off multiple Confederate assaults throughout the morning. By 11 am, they ran out of ammunition after fierce fighting.

Though Sheridan lost all three brigade commanders, his troops withdrew in order, buying time for a Union counterattack.

Hazen’s Brigade at Hell’s Half Acre

Colonel Hazen’s brigade held a small, four-acre wooded area called Round Forest between the Nashville Pike and railroad.

This position became the hinge of the entire Union line as four separate Confederate attacks hit Hazen’s position throughout the day.

His men fought off each assault with deadly rifle and artillery fire. So many Confederates fell that survivors named the area “Hell’s Half Acre.”

While the rest of the Union line collapsed, Hazen’s brigade held their ground.

Rosecrans Rallies the Army

General Rosecrans rode throughout the battlefield, reorganizing units and directing reinforcements.

A Confederate cannonball killed his chief of staff riding beside him. Despite this shock, Rosecrans continued rallying his troops.

He formed a new defensive line shaped like a “V” along the Nashville Pike.

When advisors suggested retreat, General Thomas reportedly answered, “This army does not retreat” or “There’s no better place to die.”

These words strengthened the Union’s resolve as night fell.

The End of New Year’s Eve

By nightfall, the battered Union Army had its back against Stones River.

General Bragg believed victory was certain and sent a message to Richmond declaring, “God has granted us a happy New Year.”

Despite losing 9,000 men, Bragg expected the Union army to retreat overnight. He made no further battle plans.

Both armies endured a freezing night whilst soldiers from both sides supplied aid, risking their lives to thousands who’d been wounded.

Calm Before the Storm – January 1, 1863

January 1 passed quietly as both armies resupplied.

That same day, Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation took effect, freeing slaves in Confederate states.

But Rosecrans showed no intention of retreating.

Before dawn, he ordered Colonel Beatty’s division to cross Stones River at McFadden’s Ford to occupy high ground on the east bank.

This position made an excellent artillery platform. Bragg, still expecting a Union withdrawal, failed to respond to this move.

Breckinridge’s Assault – January 2, 1863

At 4 pm on January 2, Bragg ordered General Breckinridge to attack the Union position east of Stones River.

Breckinridge, a former Vice President, protested that the attack would be suicidal but followed orders.

His 4,500 men initially succeeded in driving Union troops back. But Confederate soldiers pushed too far, charging downhill toward the river.

This exposed them to Union fire across the river. General Hanson of the “Orphan Brigade” was mortally wounded.

Mendenhall’s Artillery Ended the Battle

The article “Final Attack at the Battle of Stones River” from Warfare History Network describes how the Confederate charge ended in heavy losses.

Captain Mendenhall had lined up 57 cannons side by side along a ridge west of Stones River, all aimed at the open field below.

When the Confederate troops appeared in the open, all guns fired at once. The barrage killed or wounded about 1,800 men in less than an hour.

General Negley then led a Union counterattack that drove the surviving Confederates back to their starting positions.

Visiting Stones River National Battlefield, Tennessee

You’ll find Stones River National Battlefield at 3501 Old Nashville Highway in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Start at the visitor center to watch the orientation film and see Civil War artifacts. The 7-stop auto tour guides you through key battle areas.

Walk the half-mile Stones River National Cemetery trail to see over 6,000 Union graves and the Hazen Brigade Monument.

Rangers offer daily talks during the summer months. The park permits photography but prohibits metal detecting and relic hunting.

Entry to the battlefield and all ranger programs come free of charge.

Read More from WhenInYourState.com:

• The Cherokee Nation’s Final Council Meetings Happened at This Tennessee Park in 1837
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• Confederate Guerrillas Once Terrorized This Tennessee River Gorge Where Bootleggers Later Hid Their Stills