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

This Far, But No Farther

1862 December 31 – early afternoon

Photographed By David Graff, April 25, 2012

1. This Far, But No Farther Marker

Inscription. For six hours, the Confederates had been on the attack. Their relentless onslaught had pushed half the Union army back three miles. Tangled cedar woods and rock-filled terrain took their toll. A 1,800-man brigade of tired Tennesseans finally emerged from this tree line at midday. Momentum was slowing. Confidence still ran high.

Facing them across the wide cotton field you see here were dense formations of fresh Federal troops. On the knoll where the trees of the National Cemetery now stand, 38 enemy cannon blasted forth a steady firestorm of death and destruction.

General George Maney sized up the situation. He gave orders to his six regiments to "stack arms" so that they could catch their breath. They rested here under cover.

Erected by National Park Service, Stones River National Battlefield.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.

Location. 35° 52.535′ N, 86° 26.04′ W. Marker is near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in Rutherford County. Marker can be reached from Park Road, 0.8 miles north of North Thompson Lane, on the left when traveling north. The marker is on a trail off the Park Road leading to Tour Stop 3 - "The Cotton Field." The trail starts at

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a four-space parking lot and continues westward for about 1150 feet to the marker. To the north of the marker across the Cotton Field is a view to the Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1563 North Thompson Lane, 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. The Fight for the Cedars (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Federals' Final Rally Turns the Tide (approx. 0.2 miles away); Parsons' Batteries Heavily Engaged (approx. 0.2 miles away); Exploring the Promise of Freedom (approx. 0.2 miles away); Waiting Anxiously for Tomorrow's Fate (approx. 0.2 miles away); Anchoring the Union Line (approx. 0.3 miles away); Stand Fast! (approx. 0.3 miles away); In Battle, Good Men Die (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Murfreesboro.

Regarding This Far, But No Farther. The marker features a 2009 painting by Andy Thomas - "This Far, But No Farther" – Maney's Confederates dropped trees and dug trenches to fortify this line during the day-long lull in fighting on New Year's Day 1863.

Also see . . . Stones River National Battlefield. (Submitted on February 10, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

Photographed By Shane Oliver, January 16, 2021

2. This Far, But No Farther Marker

Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 24, 2022

3. This Far, But No Farther Marker

The Cotton Field and Fence Line image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Graff

4. The Cotton Field and Fence Line

View to North and East. The Stones River Visitor Center is visible at the center.

View of fence line facing the Visitor Center and Old Nashville Hwy image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Shane Oliver, January 16, 2021

5. View of fence line facing the Visitor Center and Old Nashville Hwy

Soldier silhouette behind the fence line near the marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Shane Oliver, January 16, 2021

6. Soldier silhouette behind the fence line near the marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2014, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This page has been viewed 601 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 10, 2014, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. 2. submitted on March 13, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on December 18, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 4. submitted on February 10, 2014, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. 5, 6. submitted on March 13, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.