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The Spirits of Stones River
 Flowing through Murfreesboro, TN, the Stones River has been a source of many bizarre events over the years, dating back to the Civil War battle fought there in December, 1862. The Union forces now had control of Forts Henry and Donelson, as well as Nashville, and they were ready to take control of the Mississippi River and Dixie's railroads. The Battle of Stones River was a major step towards the latter.
The Union forces were led by General William Rosecrans, and the Confederates were led by General Braxton Bragg. Rosecran's chief of staff was Colonel Julius Garesche. Garesche was an interesting fellow. He had been having premonitions of death, and he believed it was his destiny to die in Tennessee, a martyr to the Union cause. Col. Garesche would fulfill his destiny when he was decapitated by munitions meant for Rosecrans. He became the martyr he had always believed he would.
As the Confederate offense began to fade, General Bragg decided to send in Major General John C. Breckinridge's brigade to attack the Union center. Unfortunately, his troops arrived to late, and had little effect. The next day was January 1, 1863, but no one celebrated the New Year. Today, Stones River Battlefield appears to be a peaceful national park, and is well worth a visit. On quiet nights, it The most haunted spot in the park, or so they say, is Stop Number Two, the Slaughter Pen. To reach the Slaughter Pen, you must walk through a rocky cedar grove which Confederate General William Preston said was ideal for a "banquet of ghouls." May visitors to the Slaughter Pen report feelings of paranoia, and of not being alone. People also feel as though they are being followed. Cold spots are also reported here, and also at the Wilder Watch Tower. Perhaps these are only tall tales, but who can say? Perhaps there is still some spiritual residue left behind from the battle fought here so many years ago.
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Early in the fighting, the Confederates had the Union on the run. They had taken the advantage by striking first, and had succeeded in driving the boys in blue back to Nashville Pike. Union Generals Philip Sheridan and James S. Negley continued to fight hard and stubbornly, thus prevented what would have been a devastating loss to the Confederates. Outnumbered by the Union forces, however, the Confederates began to wear down. 
is claimed, you can still hear the distant gunshots and marching of the soldiers who fought so bravely here almost a century and a half ago. Occasionally, the ghosts of soldiers can be seen walking around the park. It's enough to give you chills. 