Stones River National Cemetery

"[These were] men who had given their lives for the country ..., and now sleep beneath the green sod of our beautiful cemetery, on the immortal field of Stone's River."

With these words, Chaplain William Earnshaw—first superintendent of Stones River National Cemetery—reflected on the solemn work he and the 111th United States Colored Infantry carried out. Beginning in October 1865, they spent nearly a year locating and reburying Union soldiers from the Stones River Battlefield, Murfreesboro, and surrounding areas.

In response to the staggering number of Civil War dead, Congress authorized the establishment of national cemeteries in 1867. National cemeteries are honored final resting places for those who served in the United States Armed Forces. These dignified landscapes offer a peaceful, protected environment for remembrance and reflection.

Today, the National Park Service cares for 14 of these cemeteries—among the oldest in the nation. They are preserved as historic sites and as enduring tributes to those who served and sacrificed. Visitors are welcome to experience these hallowed grounds.

At Stones River National Cemetery, more than 6,100 Union soldiers are buried—including 2,562 unknown. The cemetery also holds nearly 1,000 veterans and family members who served after the Civil War, continuing the legacy of honor and remembrance into the modern era.