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Parks commission names former GE site Schaeffer Park after Civil War officer; vote unanimous
Summary
The Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission voted to name a donated 42-acre parcel near Northwest Broad Street and Thompson Lane "Schaeffer Park" after Colonel Frederick Schaeffer, who was killed on the site during the Dec. 31, 1862, Battle of Stones River.
The Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously to name a 42-acre parcel formerly known as the O’Reilly track (and earlier the GE property) Schaeffer Park.
The commission took the action after the National Park Service’s Jim Lewis described Colonel Frederick Schaeffer’s role and death on the property during the first day of the Dec. 31, 1862, Battle of Stones River. Lewis said Schaeffer, who emigrated from Baden (now part of Germany) in 1848 and later commanded the 2nd Missouri Infantry, was struck by a Confederate miniball on the property while organizing a counterattack to protect the Nashville Pike.
Commission staff told members the city removed chain-link and barbed-wire fencing in 2024 and plans to build a trail this spring that will link the parcel to existing battlefield trails. Rachel (last name not specified), speaking for Parks and Recreation, said wayside panels will interpret events and individuals connected to the property and that work aims to create “a seamless” connection with Stones River National Battlefield.
The commission made the motion, took a roll call and recorded all members present voting “Aye.” Staff and the National Park Service said the park will open to the public with planned living-history events tied to the Stones River Battlefield program.
Commissioners and staff said the naming honors Schaeffer’s actions on the ground and reflects the partnership between the city parks department and the National Park Service.
The commission did not discuss a construction timetable beyond the planned spring trail work and did not specify an opening date.
