Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro
City
City of Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro City Hall Murfreesboro City Hall
Flag Official seal of Murfreesboro Seal
Nickname(s):  The 'Boro
Motto(s):  "Creating a Better Quality of Life"
Founded	1811
Founded by	William Lytle
Government
• Type	Mayor-Council
• Body	Murfreesboro City Council
Area
• Total	145 km2 (55.9 sq mi)
• Land	145 km2 (55.8 sq mi)
• Water	0.3 km2 (0.1 sq mi)
Elevation	182 m (597 ft)
Population  (2020)
• Total	146,900
• Density	1,020/km2 (2,630/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
Website	www.murfreesborotn.gov

Murfreesboro is a city located in Rutherford County, Tennessee, United States. It is the county seat and largest city of Rutherford County. With a population of approximately 146,900 as of 2020, Murfreesboro is the sixth-largest city in Tennessee.

History

Murfreesboro was founded in 1811 by William Lytle, a Revolutionary War veteran. The city was named after Colonel Hardy Murfree, a Revolutionary War hero. Murfreesboro played a significant role during the Civil War, serving as the capital of Tennessee from 1818 to 1826. The city witnessed the Battle of Stones River in 1862, one of the bloodiest battles of the war.

Geography

Murfreesboro is located in central Tennessee, approximately 34 miles southeast of Nashville. The city covers a total area of 55.9 square miles, with 55.8 square miles of land and 0.1 square miles of water. The elevation of Murfreesboro is 597 feet above sea level.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Murfreesboro had a population of 146,900 people. The city has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with a population increase of over 50% since 2000. The racial makeup of Murfreesboro is diverse, with a significant portion of the population being White, African American, and Hispanic.

Economy

Murfreesboro has a diverse economy with a mix of industries. The city is home to Middle Tennessee State University, which is one of the largest employers in the area. Other major industries in Murfreesboro include healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and technology. The city has seen significant growth in recent years, attracting new businesses and creating job opportunities.

Education

Murfreesboro is served by the Murfreesboro City Schools and Rutherford County Schools. The city is also home to Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), a public university with over 22,000 students. MTSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study.

Culture and Recreation

Murfreesboro offers a variety of cultural and recreational activities for residents and visitors. The city has several parks and green spaces, including the popular Barfield Crescent Park and Stones River National Battlefield. Murfreesboro is also known for its vibrant music scene, with numerous live music venues and festivals throughout the year.

Notable Landmarks

One of the notable landmarks in Murfreesboro is the Oaklands Mansion, a historic plantation house built in the 19th century. The Stones River National Battlefield is another significant landmark, preserving the site of the Battle of Stones River. Other attractions in Murfreesboro include the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring and the Cannonsburgh Village, a reconstructed pioneer village.

Transportation

Murfreesboro is served by several major highways, including Interstate 24 and Interstate 840, providing easy access to Nashville and other nearby cities. The city also has a public transportation system operated by the Murfreesboro Transit Authority, offering bus services throughout the area. Nashville International Airport is the closest major airport, located approximately 30 miles northwest of Murfreesboro.