10 days of activities to commemorate 150th anniversary of Battle of Shiloh

Posted: Friday, March 30, 2012 8:00 pm

HARDIN COUNTY — Visitors to Hardin County should plan an extended stay for this year’s anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh.
With activities planned from today through April 8, visitors can experience a large-scale reenactment and life on the battlefield, have breakfast with generals, and hike across trails at the exact moment where soldiers fought and died.   
• Reenactments for this year’s anniversary will be hosted by the Armies of Tennessee and the Blue-Gray Alliance. The main battle events will be held on Saturday and Sunday.
• Cherry Mansion, headquarters of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant prior to the Battle of Shiloh, will host tours Saturday and Sunday.
The Generals Breakfast will be held on April 6 and will include breakfast and a tour. Public tours will also be available April 6-7.
• The United States Post Office commemorative postmarks will be available at Cherry Mansion Station April 6 and also at Shiloh Station April 6-7.
• The Pickwick Belle is offering a Civil War Dinner Cruise today and a Civil War Lunch Cruise on April 7.
• The Tennessee River Museum in Savannah will host authors Stacy Reaves and Traci Nichols-Belt & Gordon Belt, for talks and book signings on Tuesday.
A Civil War Art Exhibit is also being held at the museum through April 8, with works on display by the Savannah Art Guild.
• “Invasions by Rail and River; The Battle of Shiloh” a Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial Signature Event with presenters discussing the battles, events and stories of the Civil War will be held. Visit www.tncivilwar150.com for more information.

• Shiloh National Military Park will host anniversary hikes across the battlefield, car caravan tours, special programs and exhibits, public premier of the new Shiloh movie, Fiery Trial, and a grand illumination with 23,746 luminaries.
“The Hardin County Convention & Visitors Bureau is really looking forward to the 10 days of activities in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh. Tens of thousands of visitors from across the country and around the world will be here to participate in the many events happening throughout Hardin County.
The average visitor will spend $113 a day, which will create a substantial economic impact to our county and the entire tri-state area,” said tourism director Rachel Baker.
Information on all events can be found at www.tourhardincounty.org and by calling (731) 925-8181 or (800) 552-3866.

Published in The Messenger 3.30.12