Shiloh Battlefield - History and Facts | History Hit

Shiloh Battlefield

Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, United States

Shiloh Battlefield was the site of the Battle of Pittsburgh Landing which took place in April 1862.

Image Credit: Shiloh National Military Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

About Shiloh Battlefield

Shiloh Battlefield in Shiloh National Military Park in Tennessee and Mississippi was the site of a Union victory in April 1862 during the American Civil War.

History of Shiloh Battlefield

Known as the Battle of Shiloh and also as the Battle of Pittsburgh Landing, this clash saw the Confederates, led by General Albert Sidney Johnston, mount an initially successful surprise attack on the Union army of Major General Ulysses S. Grant, only to be defeated the next day. Johnston was killed during the battle.

The Battle of Shiloh, which raged from 6 to 7 April 1862, was an attempt by both sides to secure strategic crossroads in the area, resulting in a total of 23,746 casualties.

Shiloh Battlefield Today

Today, Shiloh Battlefield is part of the National Parks network and offers visitors a range of tours and exhibits to explore the area’s history.

In addition to viewing Shiloh Battlefield itself, visitors can see Shiloh National Cemetery and the Corinth Interpretative Centre. Corinth was also a crucial strategic point in the American Civil War, often known as the ‘linchpin’ of Union control over the area. Several attempts would be made by the Confederates to seize Corinth, but the Union Army successfully defended their base.

Getting to Shiloh Battlefield

From the centre of Tennessee, Shiloh Battlefield is a 2 and a half hour drive via the US-64 W road. From the centre of Memphis, the site is 2 hours and 10 minutes via the US-64 E road.

 

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