Rivers and Streams

West Fork Stones River, seen from McFadden Farm

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East Fork Stones River

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Why is it called Stones River National Battlefield?

Stones River National Battlefield is named after the Stones River, a natural feature that has influenced the human geography of the landscape before, during, and after the battle that took place here. Despite the river's rocky, limestone banks, the body of water is named after a late 1700's explorer, Uriah Stone.

 

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The Stones River

Throughout history, this river has provided the area with an essential resource: water. Access to the fresh flowing water of the Stones River made Murfreesboro an ideal place for human settlement. The river also provides habitat for a diversity of aquatic plants, fish, and amphibians.

The Stones River includes three major streams: East Fork, West Fork, and Middle Fork, which are all part of the Cumberland River Watershed. Stones River National Battlefield sits along the West Fork, which can be seen from McFadden Farm.

Where does it come from?

The Middle Fork flows into the West Fork of the Stones River five miles south of the park. All three main streams of the Stones River are fed by rainwater, natural springs, and smaller streams, including Lytle Creek. The Lytle Creek watershed has been impacted by urban landscape changes and is in the process of being restored.

These sources are not always seen above ground because of the karst landscape. Karst explains the movement and flow of water underground, carving out passages in the limestone bedrock. The result is a network of caves, sinkholes, and natural springs.

Where does it go?

West Fork Stones River flows north to meet East Fork near Smyrna, about 7 miles north of the park. Together they become Stones River, flowing northwest towards Nashville into J. Percy Priest Lake. This lake is actually a reservoir, formed by J. Percy Priest Dam, which was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The dam is used to control flooding, generate electrical power, and supply water to the Nashville metropolitan area. Downstream from the dam, the Stones River flowers into the Cumberland River, which provides drinking water to over three million people.