Murfreesboro in Rutherford County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Breckinridge's Attack
Late Afternoon, January 2, 1863
| | 4:00 P.M. - 4:45 P.M. | |
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 28, 2010
1. Breckinridge's Attack Marker
2. General John C. Breckinridge's powerful attack forced Colonel John Beatty's Union division back across the river at McFadden's Ford. Confederates assembled artillery on the east bank and their infantry began wading the river.
3. Captain John Mendenhall quickly concentrated cannon here.
4. Their bombardment halted the Confederate thrust, and sent the Southerners reeling in retreat.
5. Union soldiers regained the opposite bank. More than 1,800 Confederates fell in the brief engagement that ended the Battle of Stones River. This, then, was the climax of the three-day conflict.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 35° 53.302′ N, 86° 25.545′ W. Marker was in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in Rutherford County. It was on Van Cleve Lane, on the right when traveling north. Located at stop six, McFadden's Ford, in Stones River National Battlefield. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Middle Tennessee and in Greater Nashville. It was also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: Battle at Stones River (within shouting distance of this marker); Remembering by Rail (within shouting distance of this marker); Stones River Artillery Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); McFadden Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); The Very Forest Seemed to Fall (within shouting distance of this marker); My Poor Orphans! (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); McFadden's Ford (about 600
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 28, 2010
2. Breckinridge's Attack Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Artillery Saves the Day (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); McFadden Farm (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . Stones River National Battlefield. National Park Service site. (Submitted on November 10, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 28, 2010
3. Repulse of Breckinridge's Assault
In the afternoon of January 2, 1863, Confederates under Breckinridge attacked Federal positions on this rocky ridge. Federal artillery massed in this area repulsed the attack, forcing Breckinridge back across Stones River, effectively ending the battle.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,005 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on March 14, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 10, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
