“Over 2000 unknown buried soldiers”
In 1866, the War Department established a cemetery on the battlefield of Shiloh, in southwestern Tennessee. In order to bury the dead not only from the April 6-7, 1862, battle of Shiloh but also from all the operations along the Tennessee River, workers began building the “Pittsburg Landing National Cemetery.” Changed to “Shiloh National Cemetery” in 1889, the cemetery holds 3,584 Civil War dead, 2,359 of them unknown. In the fall of 1866, workers disinterred the dead from 156 locations on the battlefield, and 565 different locations along the Tennessee River. Headboards of wood first marked each grave, but were replaced in 1876 and 1877 by granite stones. Tall stones marked the known dead and square, short stones denoted unknown soldiers.
Solemn place, but very educational as well. There is a car tour (with a booklet) to go around the battlefield to see the points of interest and monuments. Also lots of plaques to explain what happened there in various places. Recommend a visit if you are into historical events.
One of my favorite fields to visit for its lack of encroaching development. It appears that many of the main terrain features that impacted the tactics of the field are in similar condition to what they were the day of the battle--a critical element for my enjoyment of any battlefield park. The peace of the park on the two days I have been there was also wonderful. When you need some time to contemplate, there is a bench on the Tennessee river at the landing near the Naval guns. It's a great place to just sit.
The ranger program are very worth while. But don't purchase the audio tour. I is very confusing and all over the place.
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Shiloh National Military Park
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