(MURFREESBORO)  The Hazen Brigade Monument is the oldest Civil War monument in the location of its original battlefield. Officials say that between early and mid-December, 2021, that stone structure was damaged by molotov cocktails.

Surprisingly, the Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office was made aware of the incident by investigators from the State of Florida in conjunction with a similar investigation in their jurisdiction. 

Rutherford County Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal Joshua Sanders said, "The investigation is active and not much information is able to be shared at this point. Due to the somewhat remote location of this monument and suspected time of day, it went unreported."

This monument is located on the north side of Old Nashville Highway just past the Thompson Lane overpass (toward Smyrna). 

Sanders explained, “We are hoping someone may have information that would be helpful to our ongoing criminal investigation.” 

The crime of arson is one of the costliest human-made disasters. Arson indirectly contributes to increased insurance premiums, higher medical costs, lost jobs, lost income, and the increased cost of fire services.

Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department needs your help to combat this serious crime.  Persons with any related information may contact the Fire Marshal’s Office directly by calling 615-907-3600 or via email at fireprevention@rutherfordcountytn.gov.

The Tennessee Arson Hotline may also be contacted at 1-800-762-3017 to report information on an arson.

Information that leads to the successful arrest and conviction of an arsonist can result in a reward of up to $5,000.