Near Murfreesboro in Rutherford County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Parsons' Batteries Heavily Engaged
1862 - December 31 - noon
…my instructions from General Palmer were to remain where I was, in order to check the advance of the enemy, should he turn our right (flank). At about 8 a.m. our infantry came falling back from the pine woods...our batteries were swung around and brought at once into action. The approach of the enemy was parallel...to our front, and when he arrived within about 300 yards we opened upon his first line...(with) canister...the enemy fell back beyond our view. He reappeared shortly afterward to our left, but again, receiving our fire, fell back beyond our view...At about 12 (noon) just as I had nearly given out of ammunition, I received orders to...retire.
— Charles Parsons, 1st lieutenant, commanding battalion, 4th Regiment United States Artillery
Erected by National Park Service, Stones River National Battlefield.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is December 31, 1862.
Location. 35° 52.563′ N, 86° 25.846′ W. Marker is near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in Rutherford County. Marker can be reached from Park Road, 0.1 miles south of Old Nashville Highway, on the right when traveling south. The marker is on a short trail leading east off the Park Road. The trail starts at a 4-vehicle parking area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1563 N Thompson Ln, Murfreesboro TN 37129, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Exploring the Promise of Freedom (a few steps from this marker); Waiting Anxiously for Tomorrow's Fate (within shouting distance of this marker); The Federals' Final Rally Turns the Tide (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Anchoring the Union Line (approx. 0.2 miles away); Remembering Sacrifices - in Stone (approx. 0.2 miles away); This Far, But No Farther (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hazen's Brigade Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Slave, Soldier, Citizen (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Murfreesboro.
Regarding Parsons' Batteries Heavily Engaged. The marker features a background painting by Andy Thomas of the artillery in action titled "Parsons’ Batteries Heavily Engaged."
Also see . . . Stones River National Battlefield. National Park Service. (Submitted on May 22, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2015, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This page has been viewed 491 times since then and 7 times this year. Last updated on March 13, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on May 22, 2015, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. 2. submitted on March 13, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on May 22, 2015, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. 4, 5. submitted on March 13, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 6. submitted on May 22, 2015, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.