Murfreesboro

Understand

The city is home to the center of population of Tennessee and the geographic center of Tennessee.

History

The new county seat for Rutherford County was founded in 1811, and named after Revolutionary War hero Colonel Hardy Murfree. As Tennessee settlement expanded to the west, the location of the state capital in Knoxville became inconvenient for most newcomers. In 1818, Murfreesboro was designated as the capital of Tennessee and its population boomed. Eight years later, however, it was replaced by Nashville.

During the American Civil War, at the very end of 1862, the Battle of Stones River, also called the Battle of Murfreesboro, was fought near the city. This was a major engagement between December 31 and January 2, 1863, the rival armies suffered 23,515 casualties. It was one of the bloodiest battles of the war. The Stones River National Battlefield is now a national historical site.

Union General William Rosecrans chose Murfreesboro to become his supply depot. Fortress Rosecrans, 2 miles (3.2 km) northwest of the town, had fortifications covered about 225 acres (0.91 km²). They were the largest built during the war. The fort's interior was a huge logistical resource center, including sawmills, warehouses, quartermaster maintenance depots, ammunition magazines, and living quarters for the 2,000 men who handled the operations and defended the post. The fortress was completed in June 1863. Major portions of the earthworks still exist and have been incorporated into the battlefield site.

After the war, Murfreesboro, which had been a mainly agricultural community, became home to several colleges and academies, gaining it the nickname the "Athens of Tennessee". World War II resulted in Murfreesboro diversifying into industry, manufacturing, and education. Growth has been steady since that time, creating a stable economy.

Murfreesboro has enjoyed substantial residential and commercial growth, with its population more than doubling between 1990 and 2010. The city has been a destination for many immigrants leaving areas affected by warfare; since 1990 numerous Somalis and Kurds from Iraq have settled here.

Climate

Being in the Sun Belt, Murfreesboro's climate is humid subtropical, with mild winters and hot, humid summers.

Murfreesboro has been in the path of destructive tornados several times. IN 2009, an EF4 tornado struck the fringes of Murfreesboro. As a result, two people were killed and 41 others injured. 117 homes were totally destroyed, and 292 had major damage.

Get in

It is 34 miles (55 km) southeast of downtown Nashville.

By plane

Murfreesboro is served by Nashville International Airport (IATA code BNA), Smyrna Airport (MQY) and Murfreesboro Municipal Airport (MBT).

By car

There are several highways running through the city, including Interstates 24 and 840; U.S. Routes 41, 70S, and 231; and State Routes 1, 2, 10, 96, 99, and 268.

• From the Airport - Follow the signs to Interstate 24 East then follow the directions from Nashville below.
• From Nashville (Interstate 24 East) - Take Exit 76 and turn left onto Medical Center Parkway. Turn left onto Thompson Lane. Turn left at the park entrance at 1563 N. Thompson Lane. Follow the tour road to the visitor center.
• From Chattanooga (Interstate 24 West) - Take Exit 76 and turn right onto Medical Center Parkway. Turn left onto Thompson Lane. Turn left at the park entrance at 1563 N. Thompson Lane. Follow the tour road to the visitor center.
• From Knoxville (Interstate 40) - Take Exit 235 onto TN 840. Take Exit 55 onto US 41/TN 70 and follow the signs for Murfreesboro. Turn right onto Thompson Lane at the first traffic light. Turn right at the park entrance at 1563 N. Thompson Lane. Follow the tour road to the visitor center.

Get around

By bus

Murfreesboro's public transportation system has 9 small buses, each capable of holding 16 people and including two spaces for wheelchairs. The system is called Rover; the buses are bright green with Rover and a cartoon dog painted on the side. As of 2019, buses operate in seven major corridors: Memorial Boulevard, Gateway, Old Fort Parkway, South Church Street, Mercury Boulevard, Highland Avenue and Westside Loop.

A one-way fare is $1.00 for adults, $0.50 for children 6–16 and seniors 65 and over, and free for children under 6. The system operates M-F 6AM-6PM.