Following the confederate defeat at Shiloh, Braxton Bragg takes command of the western confederate forces. In August, 1862, Bragg and Kirby Smith invade Kentucky leading to the Battle of Perryville.

After being defeated at Perryville, Bragg withdraws to Murfreesboro, Tennessee. In December, 1862, General William Rosecrans sends his army to destroy Bragg's army at Stones River.