MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - This is our nation's its 250th anniversary, it’s hard not to feel the weight of history right here in Murfreesboro. The American experiment didn’t just unfold in Philadelphia or Boston — its ideals took root on the very ground we walk every day. Revolutionary War veterans, carrying the spirit of 1776, accepted land grants for their service and began shaping the community that would become Murfreesboro. By 1811, an act was introduced to name the new town in honor of Colonel Hardy Murfree, and in 1812, Captain William Lytle’s donated acreage became the site of our Historic Public Square. Those early choices still define the heart of our city.
During July at Oaklands Mansion, that history feels especially close. The mansion stands not only as a reminder of our pioneer beginnings, but also as the setting for one of the most remarkable moments of compassion ever recorded in Murfreesboro’s past — a moment that unfolded during one of the Civil War’s darkest days.
On July 13, 1862, the First Battle of Murfreesboro erupted when Confederate forces under Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest launched a surprise attack on Union detachments downtown and at Oaklands Mansion. Union troops at Oaklands, led by Col. William Duffield, held their ground through repeated assaults before finally surrendering after eight grueling hours. When the smoke cleared, Major Lewis Maney and his wife opened their home to the wounded from both sides, turning Oaklands into a temporary field hospital where thirty to forty injured soldiers received care, comfort, and humanity.
Col. Duffield was among those carried inside. Despite the battle that had just been fought, he later wrote of the kindness shown to him and his wife by their Southern hosts. After returning home to Michigan, he sent the Maneys a silver table service along with a heartfelt letter that still stands as a testament to reconciliation and respect.
Detroit, Michigan
August 1862
Major Lewis Maney
My Dear Friend,
I have today forwarded to you, care of your cousin, William L. Murfree Esq., Nashville, by the American Express, a box containing a set of silver table service which please present to your good lady as a slight testimonial of sincere gratitude for the many acts of kindness shown myself and wife while I lay helpless and wounded under your roof.
The kindness of yourself and family has sunk deep into my heart and will be gratefully remembered as long as I live and whatever the section in which we live may be, whether friends or enemies, I shall always remember that at least one Northern soldier entertains the most sincere friendship for a Southern Gentleman. I trust however that peace may soon be restored to a troubled and much vexed people and that yourself and family may be permitted to visit me in my own home where I assure you they will be most welcome and beloved guests, whom we all will delight to know.
My kindest regards to Mrs. Maney and other members of your family from myself and the good wife and when you take your coffee or tea do not forget that you have in one Northern heart the grateful remembrance of
Your Sincere Friend,
Wm. W. Duffield
WGNS, now in its 79th year and proudly approaching its 80th, has always encouraged our listeners to SHOP LOCAL — but just as importantly, we encourage everyone to LEARN LOCAL. When we understand the stories rooted in the Heart of Tennessee, we grow stronger as a community and gain a deeper appreciation for the people who built the place we call home.
