Fortress Rosecrans, The Perfect Park for Anyone
So, you are in Murfreesboro and you have run out of ideas of how to spend your time. Maybe you just ate a large meal at one of the great restaurants in the area and you’re looking to burn some calories, maybe you love the outdoors, or maybe you are just extremely bored. Well, Fortress Rosecrans is the perfect destination to rid you of all of these issues. This great, popular tourist destination and park has something for anyone no matter what you are looking for. Why would a historic site and park be interesting you may be asking? Well, let me give a you a few background information before we get any further into the article.
The History
The fort was built during the Civil War by Brig. Gen. James St. Clair Morton and named after the Union army Commander, General William S. Rosecrans. The fortification was built by The Army of The Cumberland, a division of the Union army, after the Battle of Stones River and was one of the largest fortifications built during the war. It was built as a supply depot and fortress as the Union army pushed into Chattanooga, Tennessee. The structure was heavily fortified by many cannons, high walls, two sets of walls, and of course soldiers to occupy and defend it. It also held numerous structures within its walls like warehouses, troop quarters, and saw mills. Years after the war, the site was reverted for agricultural uses and abandoned. Much of the fort fell to ruin, but some of its walls and redoubts still remain today. In 1966, it was acquired by the City of Murfreesboro and was turned into a historic site. Of the two hundred acres the fortification took up only about one fourth remained, and that is what you will see today. It later became a park when The Stones River Greenway Trail was put through it.
What Does it have to Offer?
So, as previously explored, this place is both an interesting place for the common park goer and history buff alike. The area has been taken over by many dense vegetation growths, but do not let you deter you from exploring the beautiful scenery. The trail takes you right through the park and then wraps around it. It sports a path the allows you to go through the remains of the fort, scenic views of the forested area, and many open spaces to play frisbee or let your dog have a little run. Along the path, are many signs telling the history of the area and benches if you feel the need to rest. The park even has a little play-ground area for kids just outside of it. The trail itself is nicely paved and always has at least a couple travelers walking the path. As stated before the fort has something for just about anyone no matter what you are looking to do. The historian and curious passerby have the chance to explore the ruins of the great fort. The outdoorsmen can walk the path and feel the fresh air or even walk their dogs with no worries. The average person can also just see the beautiful sights and structures the park offers while walking the path at their own pace. You could check out local wildlife or even explore the old fort ruins that line some parts of the park. Who knows maybe you will find a relic dating back to the Civil War. The Park has something to entertain someone no matter the reason for you visiting it. I guarantee you will find something you loved there, that will want you to make another trip to this great and historic location.
