As those of us in the Central Time Zone prepare to say goodbye
to 2010, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year and remind you
of the anniversary of two battles in the Western Theater. 2011
will mark the beginning of the sesquicentennial of the Civil
War, where historians and the public will reflect on the major
battles and other events of the war and their larger
significance to our national history. While the 150th is two
years away, today, December 31, is the anniversary of two
battles in Tennessee: the Battle of Parker’s Cross Roads and the
Battle of Stone’s River (Murfreesboro in the South). Parker’s
Cross Roads was a Confederate victory and fought in the western
part of the state. Nathan Bedford Forrest was the Confederate
commander at this battle. This battle is significant to me, as
one of my ancestors (I am still attempting to trace the
relationship) died of wounds on January 1, 1863 suffered in the
battle. In contrast, Stone’s River was a Union victory and the
battle lasted until January 2, 1863. It