Artillery Hike

ARTILLERY HIKE

The Shiloh Artillery Hike is an unusual and very interesting hike designed to introduce hikers to Civil War cannons and tell them something about the part that artillery batteries played in the Battle of Shiloh. The hiker will observe many of the guns now located on Shiloh Battlefield. The Shiloh Artillery Hike (SMT Hike No. 2) is recommended especially for those who have already hiked the first time Shiloh Military Trail Hike No.1. (However this SMT No. 1 Hike is not a prerequisite for SMT Hike No. 2). The Shiloh Artillery Hike is a 14 mile long loop trail which begins and ends near the southwest corner of Shiloh National Military Park (by Ed Shaw's Restaurant located at the intersection of TN Highways No. 22 and No. 142).

HISTORY

There are now over 200 cannons located on the Shiloh Battlefield today. These represent more than 10 different kinds and types of Civil War cannons. These types can be recognized by the size and shape of the barrels. Some have smooth bores (barrel without grooves inside) while others have rifled bores (barrel has grooves inside). Many of these guns were made with smooth bores originally and the rifling added at a later date. Some of their guns were made in the South and used by Confederate batteries. Sometime these Confederate made guns can be identified by the foundry name and location. All of these CSA guns are now located in Ruggles Batteries. Almost all the guns at Shiloh are "field pieces." A few siege guns may be observed in the National Cemetery. During the Battle of Shiloh only "field pieces" were used. The only exception were the guns aboard the union gunboats, Tyler and Lexington, and some 24 PDR siege guns which formed the center of Grant's Last Line at Pittsburg Landing.

REQUIRED READING FOR SHILOH ARTILLERY HIKE

Each Shiloh Artillery Hike hiker who wishes to qualify for the trail awards must read the article "Field Artillery in the War" by L. VanLoan Naisawald, published in the June 1961 issue of CIVIL WAR TIMES magazine. Reprint copies of this article may be purchased from the Shiloh Military Trail, Inc. Be sure to order copies of this artillery reprint when you make application to hike this trail and order your trail maps and credential cards. It will not be necessary for each hiker to purchase his own copy of this reprint as a group may purchase one or more and share them. It is necessary and required that each hiker read this entire reprint to qualify for the artillery hike awards. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT ALL HIKERS READ THIS INTERESTING ARTICLE BEFORE making the Shiloh Artillery Hike. Each hiker will need to complete AS HE HIKES his own credential card. This should be rubber stamped by the ranger on duty at the desk in the Visitors' Center at Shiloh National Military Park. Each hiking group will need at least one trail map and hiking instructions sheet.

ALL SHILOH MILITARY TRAIL HIKES ARE APPROVED BY B.S.A. NATIONAL CAMPING SERVICE.

REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARDS:

  1. Read (or listen attentively to it being read) the story which accompanies the hike directions. It is recommended that this be read aloud by a leader to a hiking group before, then again as the hike is made.
  2. Take the self-guided automobile tour of the battlefield as per the National Parks Service map and brochure given out in the Visitor Center.
  3. Take the entire hike exactly as specified.
  4. Each hiker fills out his own Credential Card as he makes the hikes. Each is to write answers to questions asked on the Trek Instruction Sheet. 
  5. Visit the Shiloh National Military Park Visitor Center and Museum and while these see the movie "Shiloh - Portrait Of A Battle".
  6. Abide by all rules of the Shiloh Military Trail Committee and the National Parks Service at Shiloh National Military Park. 

A. All hikers must be under the supervision of a responsible adult leader at all times while in Shiloh National Military Park. Scout groups should wear uniforms.

B. Hike Safely, be especially careful when hiking along or crossing roads.

C. Do not leave any litter along the way. Be a good example for other park visitors. It is recommended that hikers do a good turn by picking up any litter observed on the route and placing it in trash cans located throughout the park.

D. Be courteous, orderly, and most cooperative when visiting indoor areas such as the Visitors Center, Ed Shaw's Restaurants, the Park Book Store, ETC.


AWARDS:

For those hikers who complete all requirements to earn them (by hiking the specified Artillery Trail, completing the required reading, seeing the movie and visiting the museum) a special fully embroidered colorful patch is available as well as a small cannon shaped pin (to attach to the ribbon of the No. 1 Hike Medal). The hike leader should place one order for all of his Artillery Trail hikers and send in completed (and checked) credential cards, proper remittance, and the order blank (Part C of the SMT unit application which gives the prices for awards). The purchase of any and all SMT awards is entirely optional.

ARTILLERY TRAIL

ANSWER CARD

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SHILOH ARTILLERY

TRAIL MAP

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SHILOH ARTILLERY TRAIL HIKING INSTRUCTIONS

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Shiloh ARTILLERY Hiking Instructions

Start

You are to follow the same general route of the Shiloh Military Trail Hike No. 1.

The following instructions and questions must be read and properly answered. you will be referred to the Cannon Identification Chart (abbreviated C.I.C) Learn to identify the different types of cannons by practicing from memory before referring to the chart.

The Shiloh Artillery Hike starts at the intersection of Tenn. Highways No. 22 and No, 142. Locate the metal gate on the northeast corner of the parking to of the closed Ed Shaw's Shop. See your map- proceed by hiking northeast along the trace of a road (was part of Corinth - Pittsburg Landing Road - this part not closed to auto-traffic)

Turn right (east) on the Reconnoitering Road, At Peabody Road, turn right (southeast) and proceed to Easter Corinth Road. Turn right (south) and as you approach the Gladden Mortuary Monument (No. 5) (on your left) you will two guns (on your right) beside a blue plaque telling of Munch's Minnesota Battery engaged here Sunday morning April 6, 1862.

Note that the barrels of these guns are similar shaped, but one has a smooth bore and the second has rifled bore. Using your C.I.C. you can identify them as being a 6PDR. (Smooth bore) and a 6 PDR. Rifle (rifled bore).

  • Question 1:

    FROM THIS POSITION WHERE DID MUNCH'S BATTERY MOVE?

  • Question 2:

    Go north on Eastern Corinth Road following the Trail until you come to two guns (one on each side of the road) for Robertson's Alabama Battery. Your C.I.C. shows that one is a 6 PDR. Rifle and the other is a 12 PDR Howitzer. 

    WHEN WAS ROBERTSON'S BATTERY IN ACTION HERE?

  • Question 3 A & B:

    DO NOT GO to Gen. Prentiss' Hdqs., but continue on Eastern Corinth Road to the intersection with Hamburg - Purdy Road. Turn right and observe the two guns on the southeast corner beside a yellow plaque (oval) for Terrill's Battery. These guns are Blakely's and they were made in England for Confederate States. 

    3A. WHAT BATTERY DID TERRILL COMMAND?


    3B. WHAT TYPE BLAKELY GUNS ARE THESE?(See C.I.C.)

  • Question 4:

    Continue east on Hamburg - Purdy Road for short distance. On the left across from the Louisiana Monument  you will see two guns. WHEN WASHINGTON'S BATTERY WAS DISABLED AND RETIRED FROM THE BATTLE THE SECOND DAY (Note red oval plaque) WHAT DID THEY LOSE? 

  • Question 5:

    The next two guns you approach on the left will be alongside the Tennessee McClung's Battery Plaque.  Both are the same type gun.  

    WHAT KIND ARE THEY?

  • Question 6:

     Observe other guns as you hike down Hamburg - Purdy Road to the intersection of Hamburg - Savannah. As you curve to the right you will see two guns by the Mann's Missouri Battery plaque. Both of these are 14 PDR. James. 

    FROM THIS POSITION WHERE DID THEY MOVE? 

  • Question 7:

      A very short distance down the road in the right (near the Tent Hospital Site No. 7) you will see two guns beside a red plaque. This was the only battery from Georgia engaged in the Battle of Shiloh. 

    WHO COMMANDED THIS GEORGIA BATTERY? 

  • Question 8:

    Reverse directions and back up Hamburg - Savannah Road bear to the right and continue north on Hamburg - Savannah just pat the Johnston Mortuary Monument. At the exit bear to your right t the Illinois Unit Monument, Chicago 1st Light Artillery, Battery A. 

    USING THE CANNON IDENTIFICATION CHART, IDENTIFY THE CANNON LOCATED CLOSEST TO THE ROAD.

  • Question 9:

    Continue down Hamburg- Savannah Road just past  Bloody Pond on the left side of the road and south of the U.S. Artillery Monument there are two guns beside Willard's Illinois Battery plaque. 

    WHAT TYPE OF GUNS ARE ON EACH SIDE OF THE WILLARD'S BATTERY PLAQUE? (Use your C.I.C.)

  • Question 10:

    Just past Willard's Battery plaque there is a monument erected to the U.S. Army Artillery units at Shiloh.   

    WHO WAS THE CAPTAIN IN COMMAND OF THE 4TH U.S. ARTILLERY? 

  • Question 11:

    Continue a short distance to Wicker Field and hike along the left edge of the field. You will see several cannons on the edge of the field. The only battery from Michigan (at Shiloh) saw action here before being captured later in the day. 

    WHO COMMANDED THIS MICHIGAN BATTERY?

  • Question 12:

    Continue hiking along the edge of Wicker Field to the northwest corner and locate Battery F Illinois Light Artillery. This commander became famous for exploring the Grand Canyon and Colorado River after losing an arm at the battle of Shiloh. 

    WHAT IS THE NAME IF THIS CAPTAIN WHO LOST HIS ARM WHILE IN COMMAND OF THIS BATTERY?

  • Question 13:

    Return to Hamburg - Savannah Road and continue to the Alabama State Monument on the left just before Riverside Drive. You will find information about batteries from Alabama.

    NAME THREE CAPTAINS WHO COMMANDED THE THREE ALABAMA BATTERIES. 

  • Question 14:

    Hike the short distance to Riverside Drive and you will see several cannons on your right between Riverside Drive and Gen. Hurlbut's Hdqs. Blue Plaques by these cannons tell about two Missouri Batteries engaged here the first day of Battle. 

    WHO COMMANDED THESE BATTERIES?

  • Question 15:

     Hike east along Riverside drive. On your left you will find the Kentucky State Marker. Read on the back side/left panel of this marker and find the name of the only battery from Kentucky that participated in the Battle of Shiloh. 

    WHAT WAS THE NAME OF THE CAPTAIN WHO COMMANDED THIS KENTUCKY BATTERY? 

  • Question 16:

    Hike down Riverside Drive past the Indian Mounds  to reach the Tennessee River. Locate the plaque on the left side of the road (near Dill Creek) giving information about the Union gunboats. Tyler and Lexington, which saw action here at Shiloh.

    WHAT WAS THEIR APPROXIMATE POSITION ON THE TENNESSEE RIVER WHEN THEY WENT INTO ACTION? 

  • Question 17:

    Continue up Riverside Drive to the Tennessee River Overlook and find on the right at the top of the hill the Ohio Unit Monument for the 8th Light Artillery.

    WHO COMMANDED THIS BATTERY?

  • Question 18:

    Continue to intersection of the road to Pittsburg Landing and turn to the right toward the Tennessee River. On the left take the stairs into the National Cemetery overlooking the Tennessee River and hike to your right until you find an unusual plaque painted red and blue. It tells of a Confederate Battery that saw action here several months before the Battle of Shiloh. 

    WHO COMMANDED THIS LOUISIANA BATTERY?

  • Question 19:

    Take the walkways leading away from the River to find the exit from the National Cemetery. After exiting the Main Entrance look to your left and cross the road you will see a blue plaque for Powell's Battery.

    AT WHAT TIME OF DAY DID POWELL'S BATTERY ENGAGE IN ACTION HERE?

Now proceed to the Visitor's Center and visit the Museum there.

  • Question 20:

    In the museum see the display of cannons tubes mounted on the wall as you enter the museum section of the visitors center. The middle cannon was used at the battle of Shiloh and the Union Artillerymen inscribed on the breech of the cannon which battles the gun was used in.

    WHERE DID THIS GUN SEE ACTION BEFORE AND AFTER SHILOH?

  • Question 21:

    See the movie Shiloh: Portrait of a Battle while at the Visitor's Center.

  • Question 22:

    After exiting the Visitor's Center, hike back toward Powell's Battery (step 19). You will reach an Illinois monument just before you cross the road to Powell's Battery. This is for Battery H 1st Light Artillery. This unit was just being formed and did not have all its equipment and horses issued to the unit before the battle.

    HOW WERE THIS UNIT'S GUNS BROUGHT UP FROM PITTSBURG LANDING ON THE DAY OF THE BATTLE

  • Question 23:

    Cross the road and hike down Pittsburg Landing road toward the Iowa Monument. On the left just before you reach the auto tour guide plaque for Grants Last Line you will see a blue plaque for Mann's Battery.

    AT WHAT TIME WAS THIS UNIT ENGAGED HERE?

  • Question 24:

    Continue down Pittsburg Landing Road to the large siege guns on each side of the Illinois monument. These guns were rarely used on the battle field because of their weight.

    WHEN WERE THESE GUNS MADE?

  • Question 25:

    Continue down Grant's Last Line (Pittsburg Landing Road to the cannons located behind the earthwork. This is the only earthwork thrown up on the field at Shiloh. Behind this earthwork is a blue plaque for Schwartz's Battery.

    WHO WAS THE LIEUTENANT IN CHARGE?

  • Question 26:

    Go around the earthwork and you will see and wide pathway the curves away from the road to the left. This was the old roadway that was removed in recent years. Follow this to Corinth Pittsburg Landing Road and turn left. Hiking to the split in the road and you will find the Michigan State Monument in the center of the split. Read the information on this monument about Michigan Artillery at Shiloh (Ross' Battery B).

    WHAT WAS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MEN LOST BY THIS BATTER?

  • Question 27:

    Continue hiking down Corinth Pittsburg Landing Road. This is the road to the right as you approach the Michigan Monument. Proceed to the UDC Monument on left side of the road. Read the information on the plaques affixed to the back of the monument.

    HOW MANY BATTERIES OF ARTILLERY DID THE CONFEDERACY HAVE AT SHILOH?

  • Question 28:

    As you stand facing the UDC Monument note the two figures on the right. These two figures are featured in the design on the Trail Medal. The soldier in front holding a rifle in his hand represents the Infantry. The soldier behind him represents the Artillery.

    WHAT DOES THE ARTILLERY MAN HOLD IN HIS RIGHT HAND?

  • Question 29:

    Continue to the next intersection and turn left on East Corinth Road. Then turn left into the Hornet's Nest Road (gravel) go to the center of the Hornet's Nest. Locate on the left some cannons beside a yellow oval plaque.

    WHO COMMANDED THIS BATTERY?

  • Question 30:

    Continue around the gravel to where it curves back to East Corinth Road and find the tall Arkansas Monument on the right where the roads intersect. You will find information about batteries from Arkansas.

    WHICH ARKANSAS BATTERY WAS ASSIGNED TO HARDEE'S CORPS?

  • Question 31:

    Continue across the road and to the right to the Minnesota Monument. The only unit from this state at Shiloh was Munch's Battery.

    AFTER CAPTAIN MUNCH WAS WOUNDED, WHO TOOK COMMAND OF THE BATTERY?

  • Question 32:

    Continue down the sunken road to Corinth Pittsburg Landing road then turn left and hike to the auto tour stop for Ruggles' Batteries. Read the plaque at the entrance to line of cannons.

    HOW MANY GUNS WERE DEPLOYED BY THE CONFEDERATES?

  • Question 33:

    Many of the cannons now located in Ruggles' Batteries are rare Confederate-made guns. Note the 2nd and 3rd guns south from Corinth - Pittsburg Landing Road. Look at the manufacturing information on the trunnion of the barrel. The "TF" stands for "Tredegar Foundry" of Richmond, Virginia.

    WHEN WERE THESE GUNS MADE?

Continue the Trail along Ruggles' Batteries. NOTE QUESTIONS 34-38 IN ADVANCE

  • Question 34:

    The 6th gun south of Corinth - Pittsburg Landing Road has an inscription on top of the barrel.

    WHAT TYPE OF GUN IS THIS ONE?

  • Question 35:

    Locate the Blakely gun. Note the knob on the back and the tapered barrel with a band on the barrel.

    WHAT TYPE IS THE GUN?

  • Question 36:

    Locate the Louisiana Washington's Battery plaque.

    WHAT TWO NEW ORLEANS FOUNDRIES MADE THE GUNS LOCATED ON EITHER SIDE OF THIS PLAQUE?

  • Question 37:

    Locate the Tennessee Bankhead's Battery plaque. Bankhead was an attorney and the unit was made up of attorneys from Memphis.

    WHAT WAS THE NAME OF THE MEMPHIS FOUNDRY WHICH MADE THE GUNS LOCATED ON EITHER SIDE OF THIS PLAQUE?

  • Question 38:

    Locate Robertson's Battery in this line.

    WHAT TYPE OF CANNON ARE LOCATED ON EITHER SIDE OF THE PLAQUE?

  • Question 39:

    Continue down the row of cannons to Smith's Mississippi Battery and turn right down a trail to Hamburg Purdy Road, then turn right and hike west past the Pennsylvania Monument on the right and go to the large Illinois Monument on the right in the center of the field. Read the inscription on the north side of the Illinois Monument telling the number of units from Illinois present at Shiloh.

    HOW MANY BATTERIES FROM ILLINOIS WERE ENGAGED AT SHILOH?

  • Question 40:

    Continue across the field and turn right down Corinth - Pittsburg Landing Road a short distance. When you reach on the left the path (note this was a road) that leads to Gen. McClernand's Headquarters. Turn right (south) off the road about 30 yards were the woods open up. Find the Illinois Unit Monument for McAllister's Battery D, 1st Light Artillery.

    FIND THE CANNON WITH THE LIFTING RING ON THE BARREL. WHAT TYPE OF CANNON IS THIS?

  • Question 41:

    Return to the road and cross to the Trail leading past General McClernand's Headquarters. Continue to the Ohio Monument at Corinth Road. Two guns are located beside a red plaque for Cobb's Kentucky Battery.

    CHECK THE BORES OF THESE GUNS. WHAT TYPE ARE THEY?

  • Question 42:

    Continue on the trail. On the northwest corner of Hamburg - Purdy Road and Corinth - Pittsburg Landing Road (west of Raith Mortuary Monument ) you will find another gun. It is located beside a blue oval plaque for McAllister's Illinois Battery.

    WHAT TYPE IS IT?

  • Question 43:

    Across Hamburg - Purdy Road (southwest corner of the intersection) is an Indiana Unit Monument for Morton's 6th Battery.

    WHO WAS THE CAPTAIN IN THE COMMAND OF MORTON'S 6TH? (AT LEAST, UNTIL HE WAS SHOT FROM HIS HORSE AND KILLED)

  • Question 44:

    Continue south along Corinth Road a short distance until you reach the next gun (a single 6 pounder) on your right (west side of the road). The Polk's Tennessee Battery only had one gun and they soon lost this in Woolf Field.

    THE CONFEDERATE BRIGADIER GENERAL IN COMMAND OF THIS BRIGADE WAS WOUNDED NEAR HERE. WHAT WAS HIS NAME?

  • Question 45:

    At the north edge of the Shiloh Church Cemetery you will see two guns beside a red oval plaque. This tells of the last Confederate action here.

    WHO COMMANDED THIS TENNESSEE BATTERY?

  • Question 46 A&B:

    Continue on to Beauregard Road and observe the line of cannons which mark the positions where Confederate Artillery first went into action at the opening of the battle, April 6, 1862. One of the batteries in this line was from Tennessee.

    46 A. WHO WAS COMMAND OF THIS BATTERY?

    46 B. WHAT KIND OF GUNS ARE BESIDE THIS TENNESSEE BATTERY PLAQUE?

Finish the hike by continuing south along Corinth Road and back down the closed section of Corinth Road to the old Ed Shaw's store and the starting point.

We hope you have enjoyed hiking the Shiloh Artillery Hike.

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