Near Murfreesboro in Rutherford County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Parsons' Batteries Heavily Engaged

1862 - December 31 - noon

Photographed by David Graff, April 25, 2012

1. Parsons' Batteries Heavily Engaged Marker

Inscription. The 200 Regular Army gunners of Batteries H and M set up their eight cannon from here all the way to the Nashville Pike. For four solid hours, at brutal short range they fired many hundreds of rounds of munitions into the rebel ranks. Their steady, punishing barrages helped dishearten their foes and encourage their comrades.

…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.

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35° 52.563′ N, 86° 25.846′ W. Marker is near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in Rutherford County. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in Middle Tennessee

and in Greater Nashville.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

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); 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.

Other markers no longer nearby. Parson's Battery (was here, next to this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); Cotton Field – "No Man's Land" (was about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); Hazen's Artillery (was about 700 feet

Photographed by Shane Oliver, January 16, 2021

2. Parsons' Batteries Heavily Engaged Marker

away but has been permanently removed); Struggle for Round Forest (was about 800 feet away but has been permanently removed); Hazen Brigade Monument (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

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.)

Photographed by David Graff, April 25, 2012

3. Parsons' Batteries Heavily Engaged Marker

Two pieces of artillery represent the two Union batteries located here.

One of the guns of Parson's Batteries image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Shane Oliver, January 16, 2021

4. One of the guns of Parson's Batteries

Another one of the guns of Parson's Batteries image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Shane Oliver, January 16, 2021

5. Another one of the guns of Parson's Batteries

Parsons' Batteries image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David Graff, April 25, 2012

6. Parsons' Batteries

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 762 times since then and 40 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.