Garfield Battles Murfreesboro

Introduction to the Battle of Murfreesboro

The Battle of Murfreesboro, also known as the Battle of Stones River, was a pivotal battle fought during the American Civil War. It took place from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863, in and around Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This battle was a significant clash between the Union Army of the Cumberland, led by Major General William Rosecrans, and the Confederate Army of Tennessee, led by General Braxton Bragg. The battle is often overshadowed by other more famous battles of the Civil War, but its importance cannot be overstated.

The Prelude to the Battle

In the fall of 1862, the Confederate Army of Tennessee, under the command of General Bragg, launched an invasion of Kentucky. However, after being defeated at the Battle of Perryville, Bragg’s army retreated back to Tennessee. The Union Army of the Cumberland, under the command of General Rosecrans, pursued the Confederates, aiming to drive them out of Tennessee. By late December 1862, both armies had concentrated around the town of Murfreesboro, setting the stage for a major battle.

The Battle Unfolds

The battle began on December 31, 1862, when Confederate forces launched a surprise attack on the Union army’s right flank. The Confederates initially gained ground, pushing the Union troops back. However, the Union lines held, and by the end of the day, the Confederates had been repulsed. On January 1, 1863, there was little fighting, as both sides regrouped and reassessed their positions. The battle resumed on January 2, 1863, when Union forces launched a counterattack against the Confederate right flank. Although the Confederates were ultimately forced to retreat from the battlefield, the battle was one of the bloodiest of the Civil War, with over 23,000 casualties (killed, wounded, or missing).

Aftermath and Significance

The Battle of Murfreesboro was a strategic Union victory, as it thwarted the Confederate advance into Kentucky and paved the way for the Union’s eventual control of Tennessee. The battle also set the stage for the Tullahoma Campaign and the ultimate defeat of the Confederate Army of Tennessee at the Battle of Chattanooga in November 1863. The significance of the Battle of Murfreesboro lies not only in its military outcome but also in its demonstration of the increasing strength and determination of the Union Army, as well as the high cost of the war in terms of human lives.

Tactical Analysis

Tactically, the Battle of Murfreesboro saw the employment of various maneuvers and strategies by both sides. The initial Confederate surprise attack, though successful at first, ultimately failed to break the Union lines. The Union’s ability to hold its ground and then counterattack highlighted the resilience and combat effectiveness of the Union Army. The battle also demonstrated the importance of terrain and logistics in military operations, as the outcome was significantly influenced by the lay of the land and the supply situations of both armies.

Key Players and Units

Several key players and units played significant roles in the Battle of Murfreesboro. On the Union side, General William Rosecrans and the Army of the Cumberland were the primary forces. The Confederate Army of Tennessee, led by General Braxton Bragg, was the main opposition. Notable units included the Union’s 14th Corps and the Confederate’s Polk’s Corps, which were heavily engaged during the battle.

Garfield’s Role

James A. Garfield, who would later become the 20th President of the United States, served as the Chief of Staff for the Union’s 14th Corps during the Battle of Murfreesboro. Garfield’s role was significant, as he helped coordinate the corps’ movements and played a part in the Union’s strategic decisions. His experience at Murfreesboro was formative, influencing his views on military strategy and leadership.

📝 Note: Garfield's involvement in the battle, though important, is often overshadowed by his later political career and presidency.

Conclusion and Reflection

In reflection, the Battle of Murfreesboro was a crucial moment in the American Civil War, marking a significant turning point in the conflict. The bravery, sacrifice, and strategic decisions made during those fateful days in late 1862 and early 1863 paved the way for the ultimate Union victory. The battle serves as a reminder of the complexity and human cost of war, as well as the importance of leadership, strategy, and terrain in military outcomes.