Monday, March 19, 2012

Tennessee commemorates 150th anniversary of Civil War Battle at Shiloh

Tennessee’s ShilohNational Military Park, a masterpiece of Civil War interpretation and preservation, will hold the 150th commemoration of its strategic battle during a series of events taking place March 29-April 8.

The state’s 2012 Sesquicentennial Signature Event: “Invasions by Rail and River: The Battle of Shiloh” will be held April 4-5 at Pickwick Landing State Park in Pickwick Dam. This event begins with the Looking Back project hosted by Tennessee State Library & Archives. There will documentary The Story of Shiloh: Fiery Trial will premier at 7 p.m. on April 4.

Official Opening Ceremony will take place at April 5 will kick off with the firing of an official Shiloh cannon at Pickwick Landing State Park. Other features include a forum with America’s foremost historians on the battle of Shiloh, living history demonstrations, a special Sesquicentennial Civil War exhibit offering rare and unique artifacts from the Battle of Shiloh, and a musical performance by The 52nd Regimental String Band.

A highlight will commemorate the Battle of Shiloh with a "Grand Illumination" on the evening of April 7. Luminaries will be placed around the battlefield representing the 23,746 killed, wounded or missing at Shiloh. Other special activities taking place April 6-8 including special ranger led hikes at the corresponding time and place--150 years later. For more information visit www.nps.gov/shil/shiloh-150th-anniversary.html.

Other events on March 29-31 are two reenactments that will feature more than 6,000 re-enactors and more than 100 cannons. The action will unfold during these locally organized reenactment events coordinated and sponsored by The Armies of Tennessee and the Blue-Gray Alliance. The Armies of Tennessee reenactment will feature a march to Shiloh from Mississippi. The Blue-Gray Alliance reenactment will transport soldiers by rail and river, as they were 150 years ago, directly into the battle.

The Signature Event is free and open to the public. For a complete agenda, visit www.tncivilwar150.com

Information and photos courtesy of Melanie Beauchamp, Tennessee PR Media Manager

                                                                                                                 


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