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This lesson is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration file for "Stones River National Battlefield" and primary sources about the battle. Stones River was written by Tammy Calvin Weller, former Park Ranger at Stones River National Battlefield and Michael Harris, principal at Bethesda Elementary School in Thompson Station, Tennessee, and a longtime volunteer for the park. The lesson was edited by Fay Metcalf, education consultant, and the Teaching with Historic Places staff. TwHP is sponsored, in part, by the Cultural Resources Training Initiative and Parks as Classrooms programs of the National Park Service. This lesson is one in a series that brings the important stories of historic places into the classrooms across the country.

Where it fits into the curriculum
Topics: The lesson could be used in U.S. history, social studies, and geography courses in units on the American Civil War or in units on conflict. The lesson will help students understand the impact of this battle on the participants and the battle's significance in the course of the American Civil War.
Time period: 1861-1865
Relevant United States History Standards for Grades 5-12
Relevant Curriculum Standards for Social Studies

Objectives for students
1) To describe the Battle of Stones River and its aftermath.
2) To analyze and evaluate firsthand accounts related to the Battle of Stones River.
3) To investigate the way surviving participants commemorated the Battle of Stones River.
4) To determine how wars have been commemorated in their own community.

Materials for students
The materials listed below either can be used directly on the computer or can be printed out, photocopied, and distributed to students. The maps and images appear twice: in a low-resolution version with associated questions and alone in a larger, high-quality version.
1) two maps of Tennessee and and the surrounding area;
2) two readings from contemporary accounts about the battle and its participants;
3) one painting, one photo, and one diagram of the battle and the Hazen Brigade Monument.

Visiting the site
Stones River National Battlefield, administered by the National Park Service, is located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 27 miles southeast of Nashville. The battlefield is open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except December 25. For further information, write the Superintendent, Stones River National Battlefield, 3501 Old Nashville Highway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, or visit the park's Web site.