Murfreesboro (population 108,755) is a metropolis within Tennessee. It serves as the county seat of Rutherford County. The city is part of the state's most inhabited region, the Nashville metropolitan area, that has a population of about 1,670,000.
Nashville is situated 56 km to the northwest of Murfreesboro. It could be considered a suburb of the city of Nashville, the city of music, but the city of Murfreesboro is very large and too far to be considered an extension of its more famous neighbor. The city's population has grown a lot. Between the years 1990 and 2000, the population grew from 46,000 to 69,000, and between 2000 and 2010, it grew from 69,000 to 108,755. It is not only the state's fastest growing city, but also one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S.
Middle Tennessee State University in the city of Murfreesboro is the biggest undergraduate university in Tennessee. There are 22,299 undergraduate students enrolled at the university.
First called Cannonsburgh, the city of Murfreesboro was named in honor of Revolutionary War Hero Hardy Murfree. It was chosen as the state capital from 1818 to 1826. The city of Murfreesboro was the location of a Civil War battle, the Battle of Stones River, during the year 1862. After the battle, Murfreesboro was used by the Union Army as its base for supplies.
There is a terrific venue at the Center for the Arts, showcasing art exhibits, and performing arts like dance, theatre, concerts and magic shows. The city of Murfreesboro has a strong performing arts sector, that consists of the Murfreesboro Little Theatre. The theatre features popular and alternative forms of theatre arts. There is a lot of arts and music programming for young individuals because of Youth Empowerment through Arts and Humanities (YEAH!) and the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra.
The city of Murfreesboro hosts various cultural events throughout the year, like for instance Murfreesboro Philharmonic, the Main Street Jazzfest, and live concerts by the Bluesboro Rhythm & Blues Company. Other attractions include the Bradley Academy Museum, Tennessee Miller Coliseum, Stones River Greenway Arboretum, Sam Davis Home and the Black Cat Cave. There is fantastic shopping along the Avenue of Murfreesboro and at the Stones River Mall.
There are various historic location in Murfreesboro, including: Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village, Stones River national Battlefield, Rutherford County Courthouse and Oaklands Historic House Museum.
For individuals who like the outdoors, there is walking, skating, jogging and bicycle riding through the Murfreesboro Greenway System, which consists of the Stone River and Lylte Creek trails. These trails lead to Cannonsburgh Village, Fortress Rosecrans and the National Battlefield. Other recreational trails are Barfield Wilderness Loop Trail, Stone River Battlefield Loop Trail and Twin Forks Trail. Golfing and picnicking facilities are located at the famous Barfield Crescent Park. Golfing is available at The Indian Hills Golf Club and the Old Fort Golf Course.