The Battle of Stones River was fought near Murfreesboro, Tennessee from New Year’s Eve through January 2, 1863. Federal units were surprised while they were napping by screaming rebels who struck out of nowhere. The one unit that was ready to fight was the third division under Gen. Philip H Sheridan. During the battle all three of Sheridan’s brigade commanders were killed and a third of his division was lost. The men ran out of ammunition and ended up fighting with a bayonet. Through the thick woods and brush that were nearly impossible to get through, Sheridan’s survivors forged on through rocks caverns and falling trees. Very few of them survived.
Stop #4 along the Stones River Battlefield tour is the position where this battle took place and seems to be the most haunted. Stories go on today about a mysterious soldier who appears out of nowhere, especially at night around the campfire while reenactors are camping out. They say he sits in the background or leans against a tree and sometimes even gets hunched up close to the flames. Others say he just seems to blend in with the troops when they’re marching. There are also reports of strange feelings and shadowy figures around stop number six. Witnesses say there’s a ghost that stands behind the bushes then steps out into plain view and falls to the ground as if maybe he’d been shot. He is assumed to be a soldier who was shot while trying to surrender. I have visited the battlefield and found it to a very eerie place. If you’re ever in the area stop by and visit. 
Find out more about Stones River.
