Top 3 Historical Events That Shaped Murfreesboro, TN

Murfreesboro, Tennessee, has played a big role in American history. It had historic battles and educational institutions and, for a brief moment, served the state's capital. In this blog, we’ll take a look at three historical events that happened in Murfreesboro and their effect on society.

1. The Battle of Stones River

The Battle of Stones River was fought from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863. This location served as the battlefield between the Union and the Confederacy. During the battle, Over 41,400 Union and 35,000 Confederate soldiers fought, and the battle resulted in 12,906 Union and 11,739 casualties. In total, 24,645 American lives were lost, wounded, or captured. 

Military Strategy and Outcome

The Confederates sought to push the Union out of Middle Tennessee and back into Kentucky. However, Union General William Rosecrans was able to fend off the waves of Confederate soldiers. This battle was won, and shortly after, Abraham Lincoln brought about the Emancipation Proclamation. 

Impact on Murfreesboro Today

The Stones River National Battlefield is now a memorial site people could visit. Tourists can tour the battlefield, where over 6,100 Union soldiers are buried. The site offers educational tours, reenactments, and exhibits that help modern residents and visitors understand the significance of the Civil War and Murfreesboro's key role.

2. The Founding of Middle Tennessee State University

Another notable moment was the founding of Middle Tennessee State University in 1911. It once served as a training school for teachers, but since then, it has grown into one of the largest undergraduate universities in Tennessee. It has assisted in raising the community's social and economic growth.

Educational Milestones

When the school first opened, it trained high school teachers for the state. Eventually, it expanded to teaching other subjects at a higher level. By the 1950s, the university had grown to offer undergraduate and graduate programs in business, aerospace, nursing, and the arts.

MTSU's Influence on Murfreesboro

MTSU’s presence has played a massive role in the city’s development. The opportunities it has provided have lifted the city to socioeconomic status. The university itself also serves as a source of income for the faculty running it. 

3. Murfreesboro Once was the State Capital

Murfreesboro briefly served as the capital of Tennessee from 1818 to 1826. During this time, Murfreesboro became a center for politics, holding legislative meetings and being an important part of the state's political system.

Reasons for Capital Relocation

After the War of 1812, Tennessee's residents moved from the east to the middle and western parts of the state. This movement caused the capital to be moved from Knoxville to a more central position. Murfreesboro was picked because it was centrally located and was the hub for political discourse. Ofter a little more than a decade, on 1826, citizens changed the capital over to Nashville.

Legacy of the Capital Era

Murfreesboro is proud of its political history, even though it was only the state capital for fourteen years. The Oaklands Mansion was home to important families and leaders in Murfreesboro in the early 1800s. Oaklands Mansion is now a museum that keeps the city's history alive and gives visitors a look into life in Murfreesboro when it was the political hub of Tennessee.

Legacy of the Capital Era

Even though it was only the state capital for fourteen years, Murfreesboro is proud of its political past. People with a lot of power and family lived in the Oaklands Mansion in Murfreesboro in the early 1800s. The Oaklands Mansion is now a museum that tells the story of the city and shows people what life was like in Murfreesboro when it was the political capital of Tennessee.

Our Lascassas Pike location is conveniently situated to serve both residential and business customers, providing a variety of storage unit sizes and features, including climate control, drive-up access, and enhanced security measures. Just as Murfreesboro has evolved over time, so have our storage solutions, designed to meet the changing needs of our customers when you're looking to preserve your personal history in our storage units.