Gordon Secures $980,000 For Battlefield Improvements

December 20, 2007, WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon has secured $980,000 to help Stones River National Battlefield enhance its driving tour route and improve park access by adding two new entrances to the park.

“The battlefield is a national treasure right here in Murfreesboro,” said Gordon, a co-founder of the Congressional Battlefield Caucus. “The battlefield and the area around it have grown tremendously since the tour route was devised in the 1960s. The current tour route now only partially interprets the battle, and the park entrances can be difficult to find if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Adding new entrances will make the battlefield more accessible to local residents and out-of-state visitors.”

Battlefield officials said they plan to add new entrances on Thompson Lane to bring visitors into the main park area and the Artillery Monument area. About 200,000 people visit Stones River National Battlefield each year.

“This funding will help move the tour road project along, improve visitor access and make for a better experience for visitors,” said Gib Backlund, the battlefield’s chief of operations.

Backlund said park officials are finalizing detailed plans and engineering concepts, which will include construction specifications.

The battlefield has more than doubled in size since the existing driving tour route was developed in the 1960s. As a result, the current route only partially interprets the battle, leaving visitors with an incomplete understanding of the battle. In addition, newer portions of the battlefield are inaccessible from the route.

“These improvements will help visitors realize the enormity of the battle,” said Gordon. “It was one of only 45 battles that had a major impact on the Civil War.”

Between Dec. 31, 1862 and Jan. 2, 1863, nearly 81,000 Union and Confederate troops fought on the battlefield. About 23,500 soldiers were killed, wounded or captured during the battle.