| Shiloh National Military Park to host event | | Posted: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 8:02 pm
| On April 3, Shiloh National Military Park will host National Park Day sponsored by the History Channel and the Civil War Preservation Trust.
This annual event brings together Civil War enthusiasts from around the country who volunteer their time and energy to help preserve our nation’s battlefields.
From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Shiloh rangers and volunteers will be in the Rhea Field area of the park repainting cannon carriages, historic tablets, and cannonballs marking the Confederate burial trench. “Today, there are more than 450 historic tablets, 195 cannon carriages, and 156 monuments on Shiloh Battlefield. Taking care of them is one of our most important responsibilities,” said Superintendent Woody Harrell. This year, weather permitting, volunteers will work with the Shiloh staff to preserve a portion of these historic treasures.
The historic cast-iron tablets to be repainted are troop position markers placed on the battlefield in 1900-1901 by the Shiloh National Military Park Commission. The Commission oversaw the establishment of the park in the 1890’s and was made up of both Confederate and Union veterans of the battle. The cannonballs, which mark the final resting place of hundreds of Confederate soldiers, were also placed there by the Commission in order to mark these sacred areas in perpetuity.
To register in advance, please contact Ranger Chris Mekow at 731-689-5696 or email him at chrismekow@nps.gov. Volunteers will meet at the Shiloh visitor center no later than 9 a.m. on Saturday morning. Participants are asked to dress appropriately for the weather and work involved and bring insect repellent. Park Day 2010 T-shirts and patches will be awarded to all participants courtesy of the Civil War Preservation Trust. Please note that rain will cancel Park Day activities.
Published in The Messenge 3.24.10 | | | | |
