South of Wilkinson Pike

The area between Medical Center Parkway and Wilkinson Pike represents the most desirous lands for development in Murfreesboro. The new Clari Park property is joining many other commercial buildings and apartments. The land though was also the site of many important fights on December 31, 1862. It was here that the Union forces finally were able to delay the massive wave of Confederate victories during the morning hours.
Union General Phillip Sheridan heard ominous sounds during the overnight hours that the Confederates were planning on being on the offensive against the Union right flank. Despite no action by his superiors, Sheridan got his troops up in the early morning hours to get ready for a fight. The Confederate flanking action went completely unchecked until the wheeling forces met the prepared Sheridan troops

Sheridan troops slowed the advance with his fight and retreat tactics. Through the lands now occupied by The Avenue Shopping Center and the cleared property of Clari Park, the Union tried to halt the Confederate tide. Some older, undisturbed properties sit on places where Captain Charles Houghtaling’s cannons bravely defended Sheridan’s troops until they were finally forced to retreat. Eventually, Sheridan receives orders from General William Rosecrans to hold for two more hours to give him time to reorganize the overwhelmed troops from Gresham Lane. Sheridan finally moves his remaining forces back across Wilkinson Pike to make his final stand along with General Negley near the rocks of the Slaughter Pen.

Within the artifact collection for the national battlefield are the frock coat, sash and commentative sword of Captain Houghtaling. www.nps.gov/stri/learn/historyculture/captain-charles-houghtaling.htm