Lunette Thomas

Fortress Rosecrans consisted of a line of works called lunettes forming an irregular circle on both sides of Stones River. A lunette was a fortification with embankment, ditch, angles, and other defenses in front but open to the rear; some of the smaller lunettes were defended at this opening by a stockade of hewn logs, but most were irregular half circles with no protection immediately behind them. These works were named for prominent generals in the army, and this earthwork was named for Major General George H. Thomas, a native of Southhampton, Virginia, who graduated from West Point in 1840 and commanded the XIVth Corps of Rosecrans's army in 1863. Lunette Thomas was one of ten lunettes that made up Fortress Rosecrans, which included more than 14,000 feet of earthworks and ditches, could shelter 50,000 troops, and could warehouse provisions needed for up to 90 days.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee · United States