Battle of Stones River

The Battle of Stones River, fought from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863, was a significant Civil War engagement near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Union forces, led by General Rosecrans, defended against Confederate attacks aiming to break their lines. Despite heavy casualties on both sides, the Union managed to hold their position, leading to an important strategic victory. The battle boosted Union morale and tied down Confederate forces, impacting the broader course of the war in the Western Theater. It demonstrated the brutal, costly nature of Civil War combat and underscored the importance of terrain and strategic defense.