COUNCE, TN - VISIT TO SHILOH, TN

Sunday, September 14th, 2014

Day 41
Miles Traveled: 0
Total Miles Traveled: 1095



  We took a trip back in time to April 6th, 1862 and the Battle at Shiloh.  We went to the Shiloh National Military Park and spent the whole day.  At the visitor center we viewed an excellent documentary called, "Shiloh: Fiery Trial", which gave a very detailed account of this battle.  After viewing the film, we toured the battlefield by car with the aid of a CD which chronologically lead us through the entire battle.  It is safe to say that we know more than we ever have about the Battle of Shiloh.  The tour was very interesting and we had a great day with pleasant weather and no significant crowds.

  The battle got it's name from a nearby church called Shiloh Meeting House.  Shiloh means "House of Peace".  Ironic, since it was located where some of the heavy fighting between the Union and Confederate forces occurred.  The original building was destroyed in the battle, but in 1875, a very similar structure was erected on the same site.

Shiloh Church

Inside of Shiloh Church

  The first fighting began on Fraley Field when Confederate picket forces fired on a Union recon patrol sent out by Col. E. Peabody and led by Major J. Powell.  Col. Peabody was killed and his unit retreated.  A monument was erected in honor of Col. Peabody at the site where he was killed. 

Monument to Col. Peabody

  The first day the Confederates were successful at pushing the Union forces back, but suffered many casualties, including Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, the Confederate commander of the 44,000 Confederate army that was on the battle field that day.

Monument to Gen. Johnston

  Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and his men, initially totaling 40,000, did not give up.  And, on the second day, after receiving reinforcements, they fought back with a vengeance and won the battle.  With over 23,000 casualties (death/wounded/missing), this was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War and many other wars before and after.

  There are many monuments scattered throughout the park on the battlefield sites honoring those who fought and/or died on those two days in April.  Below are two examples.  The first is dedicated to Grant's Army - the Army of the Tennessee.  The second is for all the Confederate Soldiers that served in this battle.  

Army of Tennessee Monument

Confederate Monument

     

  For more information about Shiloh National Military Park go to: http://www.nps.gov/shil/historyculture/shiloh-history.htm