18626–7 April 1862 · Shiloh, Tennessee

Battle of Shiloh

Thulstrup's 1888 print of Union infantry and artillery fighting through the woods at Shiloh in April 1862 — Archival image: Thure de Thulstrup (restored by Adam Cuerden). Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Confederate troops under Albert Sidney Johnston surprised Ulysses S. Grant's army camped near Pittsburg Landing on the Tennessee River. Union troops at the Sunken Road and the Hornet's Nest held out long enough for reinforcements to arrive, and Grant counterattacked the next morning. Johnston was killed. Nearly 24,000 men were killed, wounded or missing, a toll that ended hopes on both sides of a short war.

Sites

Site 1: Pittsburg Landing and Shiloh National Military Park visitor centerThe river landing where Union reinforcements crossed, beside the park's visitor center.Map ↗
Site 2: Sunken Road and Hornet's NestWooded farm lane where Union troops held out for hours on the first day.Map ↗
Site 3: Shiloh ChurchReconstructed log meeting house that gave the battle its name.Map ↗

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