Shiloh National Military Park

This is an example of an Indian Mound, many of which were commonly found in the area. These large dirt mounds were built by the American Indians for different ceremonial purposes, mainly for burying the dead. These mounds can be found all over the area. The nearby Pinson Mounds State Park has much history about the mounds in the area.

Several canon are set up at different points around the park to illustrate where battle lines were set up. Different marker can also be found throughout the park and the surrounding area noting where different armies camped, where skirmishes happened, and where troops moved. One such marker can be seen at the right of the picture. There are almost too many markers to read and keep up with, although it is fun to try to keep up with everything that happened during the battle.

Many monuments are found around the park. These monuments were constructed by various groups in memory of those who gave their lives during the battle. This is one of the largest and most ornate monuments to be found here. Each of the intricately carved, larger than life figures has a different meaning.

Here is another example of a monument found in the park. This one is to a certain division of the Confederate States of America Army; this group was from Alabama. Most of the monuments feature some sort of artillery representation, along with names of some of the men inscribed in the stone.

This is a recreation of the W. Manse George family cabin. Much of the fighting on the second day occurred near the cabin, which the family had fled. It is interesting to go inside the cabin and see how its size compares to the houses of today. A modest size house today seems huge in comparison.

Another example of a monument to be found in the park. This is one of the taller monuments, although not the tallest. And it has a slightly different design with a soldier at the top instead of the usual artillery. Amazing craftsmanship can be found all over the park. As can be seen in many of the pictures, fall is a great time to visit the park. The leaves are beautiful as they change colors. The only drawback to the day we visited was the overcast sky, but it didn't decrease our enjoyment of the park.

Yet another monument. This one is found along the Sunken Road, which served as a defensive line for the Northern army for much of the first day.

A view of the Tennessee River. The park sits on the bank of the river at Pittsburg Landing, which also saw some action from gunboats in the area separate from the Battle of Shiloh. Several places in the park offer views of the river, although at times it is necessary to leave the paved road and hike through the woods to reach the river.

The entrance to the National Cemetary at Shiloh. Many soldiers from the Civil War are buried here. But also other veterans have Shiloh as their final resting place. It is interesting to walk through reading the markers. Many sons, fathers, and brothers are found here, their lives ended much too soon by war.

Some were not so fortunate to be buried in the cemetary. The bodies of Confederate soldiers would often be placed in mass grave trenches such as this one. Attempts have since been made to move the remains to individual graves out of respect for those who gave their lives for the cause they believed in.

Shiloh National Military Park is located in southwest Tennessee on the banks of the Tennessee River. The Visitor Center is open year-round, and features a film presentation about the battle, as well as some artifacts found around the area. A small fee is charged to visit the park. A bookstore is also located on the grounds. The park is a great way for families and groups to spend a day! Their website is http://www.nps.gov/shil/.