Murfreesboro in Rutherford County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Donelson’s Brigade at Murfreesboro
Photographed by Shane Oliver, January 16, 2021
1. Front Side of Donelson’s Brigade at Murfreesboro Marker
General Daniel P. Donelson’s Tennessee Brigade (CSA) advanced across these fields on December 31, 1862, around 11 a.m. in support of Chalmers’ Brigade. Donelson’s lines were broken by Chalmers’ retreat and by the Cowan ruins. The brigade split in two, with part advancing west into the cedar woods where Colonel William Moore of the 8th Tennessee was killed. They pushed back General Charles Cruft’s Brigade (USA) and captured over 1000 prisoners and seven cannons.
The other part of the brigade advanced toward Round Forest which was defended by Colonel William B. Hazen’s Brigade (USA). There the Confederates under the command of Colonel John H. Savage of the 16th Tennessee were halted in a field of corn stalks, where they held until relieved at 1 p.m. by additional attacks ordered by General Braxton Bragg. At day’s end, Bragg had thrown four unsuccessful attacks against the Round Forest position.
Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3A 161.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1990.
Location. 35° 52.416′ N, 86° 25.553′ W. Marker is in Murfreesboro
this page online
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: Chalmers’ Brigade at Murfreesboro (here, next to this marker); They Passed This Way (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Slave, Soldier, Citizen (approx. 0.2 miles away); Anchoring the Union Line (approx. 0.2 miles away); Remembering Sacrifices - in Stone (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hazen's Brigade Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Murfreesboro/Rutherford County (approx. ¼ mile away); Waiting Anxiously for Tomorrow's Fate (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Murfreesboro.
Other markers no longer nearby. Hazen Brigade Monument (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Struggle for Round Forest (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Hazen's Artillery (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been permanently removed).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Another marker of Confederate troops at Murfreesboro during the Battle of Stones River.
Photographed by Shane Oliver, January 16, 2021
2. Rear Side of Donelson’s Brigade at Murfreesboro Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 31, 2003
3. Markers in Murfreesboro
There are two markers at this location. The Donelson’s Brigade marker can be seen in the background.
Photographed by Craig Swain
4. Markers Beside the Overpass of Old Nashville Road
Photographed by Craig Swain
5. Advance of Chalmers' and Donelson's Brigades
The area over which these Confederate brigades advanced is now lightly developed, differing greatly from its wartime appearance.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 15, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,053 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 13, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on July 27, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4, 5. submitted on October 30, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
