Shiloh: A Battlefield Guide

by Mark Grimsley, Steven E. Woodworth

Peabody’s Battle Line, McCuller’s Field, Stuart’s Defense, the Peach Orchard, and Hell’s Hollow—these monuments mark some of the critical moments in the battle of Shiloh but offer the visitor only the most meager sense of what happened on the banks of the Tennessee in April 1862. This battlefield guide breathes life into Civil War history, giving readers a clear picture of the setting at the time of engagement, who was where, and when and how the battle progressed.

 

Designed to lead the user on a one-day tour of one of the most important battlefields of the war, the guide provides precise directions to all the key locations in a manner reflecting how the battle itself unfolded. A wealth of maps, vivid descriptions, and careful but accessible analysis makes plain the sweep of events and the geography of the battlefield, enhancing the experience of Shiloh for the serious student, the casual visitor, and the armchair tourist alike.

Genres: Civil War

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2006

About the author

Areas of Expertise

US History to 1877
Military History
Human Conflict, Peace, and Diplomacy



Mark Grimsley is a faculty member and member of the history department at The Ohio State University.

Reviews

[Ira Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I promised myself that I would visit this battlefield before I died. My fascination being twofold, an interest in American Civil War History and the fact that it’s a battle in April only a few days before my own birthday.

The National Park was fascinating to walk over, which I did this year as I turned 50. It also happened during the 155th Anniversary so there were many other bonuses to add to park... the historical tours led by rangers and historians, re-enactments off-site to recreate the battle.

This book, although being a tour guide book, is nice because each stop added a vignette to give you a feeling of what was happening during the day, almost broken down by hourly increments across the battlefield.

And listening to the park staff and historians, you realize that the Union forces actually withdrew in an orderly panic -they actually held spots long enough to allow Grant to recover a last hold before nightfall and thus buying time for Buell’s forces to reinforce him to claim the field on day 2.

Every other historical book I’ve read, either fictional or non-fiction seem to give the impression that Sherman and his forces were in a full on routing. Which would have given the Confederacy the entire battlefield- this is wrong when you actually read the markers, walk the steps and study the field in more depth.

Not to be read for fun, but definitely pick it up if your going to visit the place in person.

[John Stults · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting

I recommend getting a hard copy instead of the e version though the descriptions are fine in the e version I think that flipping back and forth. As I like to do would be easier with a hard copy
The appendices were very good but hard to access in the e book version
Overall very good. Just watch the format

[Michael Ryzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid guide for any visitor to the Shiloh Battlefield. The information in this edition may be somewhat dated due to recent scholarship and the upgraded National Park informational signs and placards as of 2015.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visited the battlefield with guide book 31 AUG 25; followed u with lunch at the nearby Catfish Hotel!