Place of Peace

Shiloh: the place of peace.  This peace was shattered at about 5 am on April 6th, 1862.  That was when the first shots were fired in what would become the bloodiest battle in American history to that point.  24,000 casualties, more than all previous U.S. wars combined.  It would be a battle fought over two days, The Confederates seeming to win the first day, the Union the second day and the battle.  It also has the distinction of having the highest ranking American officer killed in battle:  Albert Sydney Johnston, 4-Star General, killed on the first day of the battle, after a bullet cut the artery behind his right knee.

The Tennessee river, at Pittsburgh Landing; Reconstruction of Shiloh Church, that was at the center of the fighting; Indian Burial Mounds that are found in the park, and are protected.  The mounds are Pre-Columbian, if I read the signs right, and you can take a short hike to see them.  I was short on time, but wanted to show that they were there.

Shiloh was a very interesting battlefield to visit, as it is very well preserved.  The entire battlefield is almost the same as it would have been all those years ago, and if those soldiers were to come back, they would probably recognize it immediately.  If you go, make sure to watch the movie at the Visitor’s Center, it was well worth the time.

It is very peaceful there now, I saw some deer, geese, and a lot of wild turkeys (the bird, for those who might think I meant something else).  Other than Shiloh, it was a lot of driving today.  I saw an amazing sunrise this morning (I was on the road shortly after 5 this morning) but was unable to stop for a picture.  Oh, well.  Happy Road-Tripping!

Author: ramblingsofawanderingman

I'm a man who feels more at home driving down the road on an adventure than almost anywhere else. View all posts by ramblingsofawanderingman