The battle of Parkers Crossroads took place on Dec.31, 1862. It was an example of Nathan Bedford Forrest’s use of artillery against infantry as confederate cannons smashed Union formations.  Today thousands visit Parkers Crossroads to witness the re-enactments, which are held in June of even number years.

An amphitheater has been added for outdoor concerts.  The first event, which featured bluegrass musicians, attracted 600 people.

An old log cabin that belonged to the McPeake family of Henderson County has been disassembled and restored to be used as a trailhead facility for the walking trail on the south battlefield park.  It also will be used as a backdrop for living history demonstrations.

The Parkers Crossroads Battlefield Association, an active volunteer group formed in 1993 by persons interested in preserving the Civil War History of Henderson County, has celebrated several preservation victories, totaling over 206 acres of preserved battlefield.  With the strong support of the Civil War Preservation Trust, they are in the process of adding 87 more acres to the battlefield.

Vistors enjoy two miles of paved walking trails with 30 interpretive signs and seven cannons along the trail system.  In spring 2005, an orchard was created where the original Parker orchard stood in 1862.  More than 200 hardwoods were planted to begin re-establishing the forested area, as it would have looked in Dec. 1862.

A grant from the Civil War Heritage association is enabling us to update our two- hour self-guided driving tour to be pod cast on a Web site. The audio will include the walking trails.

Parkers Crossroads officials expect over 300,000 visitors a year to the battlefield, which will be open year round, said Rep Steve McDaniel.  We are capitalizing on the popularity of heritage tourism. We are one of the few Civil War battlefield parks in the nation that is so easily accessed by the general public.  Some 70,000 vehicles a day passes through Parkers Crossroads and interstate 40.  Parker’s Crossroads is named for the Rev. John Parker, who lived in the community prior to the Civil War.  Locals say that Parker is buried in the Jones Cemetery with his head facing south.  Most of the graves face the east. Parker had stipulated that he did not wish to be buried facing the Yankees.

Located at Exit 108, I-40, halfway between Memphis and Nashville, the town was incorporated on June 2, 1981.  There are no property taxes and no services fees.  Residents enjoy a city park with meeting facilities, walking track, softball and baseball fields, a playground, horses arena, and several picnic areas.  The park is the site of several annual events, including an antique car show, the possum festival and Carson and Barnes Circus, both in Oct. and the Ruritan Racking Horse show.  

To learn more about the Battle of Parker's Crossroads, schedules for reenactments, living history events, and other activities visit the Parker's Crossroads Battlefield Association. www.parkerscrossroads.com.