What was the Battle of Shiloh, and by what other name is it known?

The Battle of Shiloh was a major engagement in the American Civil War, fought from April 6–7, 1862. It is also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, named after a nearby landing on the Tennessee River.

Where did the Battle of Shiloh take place, and what was its strategic context within the American Civil War?

The battle occurred in southwestern Tennessee, specifically in Hardin County, and was a significant part of the war's Western Theater. The Western Theater encompassed military operations between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River.

Who were the primary commanders for the Union and Confederate forces at the Battle of Shiloh?

For the Union, Major General Ulysses S. Grant commanded the Army of the Tennessee, and Major General Don Carlos Buell commanded the Army of the Ohio. For the Confederacy, General Albert Sidney Johnston was the initial commander of the Army of Mississippi until his death in battle, after which he was succeeded by General P. G. T. Beauregard.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Shiloh?

The Battle of Shiloh resulted in a Union victory, despite the Union army suffering approximately 2,500 more casualties than the Confederates.

What were the total casualties for both the Union and Confederate armies at the Battle of Shiloh?

Union casualties totaled 13,047, including 1,754 killed, 8,408 wounded, and 2,885 captured or missing. Confederate casualties amounted to 10,699, with 1,728 killed, 8,012 wounded, and 959 captured or missing. These figures made it the costliest engagement of the Civil War up to that point.

What significant Union victories preceded the Battle of Shiloh in February 1862, and what was their importance?

In February 1862, Union forces led by Ulysses S. Grant achieved significant victories at the Battle of Fort Henry and the Battle of Fort Donelson in Tennessee. These battles were crucial because they secured control of the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, which were vital Confederate transportation routes connecting Nashville, an ironworks, and major agricultural areas.

How did Union naval forces contribute to Grant's early victories in the Western Theater?

Union naval forces, specifically U.S. Navy gunboats, assisted Grant's army in the battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson. These steam-powered, flat-bottomed, and armored vessels carried up to 13 artillery pieces, significantly increasing the Union's firepower.

What was the strategic importance of Corinth, Mississippi, for the Confederacy prior to the Battle of Shiloh?

Corinth, Mississippi, held strategic value for the Confederacy because it was located at the intersection of two crucial railroads. One of these railroads was part of a network used to transport Confederate supplies and troops between Tennessee and Virginia, making Corinth a vital logistical hub.

What was the Union's overall strategic objective leading up to the Battle of Shiloh?

The Union's overall strategic objective was to combine Grant's Army of the Tennessee and Buell's Army of the Ohio to launch a southward offensive. Their goal was to capture Corinth, Mississippi, which would serve as a key starting point for further operations to capture Memphis, Vicksburg, and large portions of Confederate territory.

Describe the Confederate plan for attacking the Union forces at Shiloh.

The Confederate plan was to launch a surprise attack on Grant's Union Army on April 4, before it could be reinforced by Buell's army. The objective was to attack the Union left flank, pushing it northwest against the swampy terrain adjacent to Snake and Owl creeks, thereby preventing Union reinforcements and resupply via the Tennessee River.

What challenges did the Confederate army face during its march to Shiloh?

The Confederate army's 20-mile march north to Shiloh was plagued by inexperience and bad weather, resulting in 'a nightmare of confusion and delays.' Consequently, the army was not fully deployed into position until the afternoon of April 5, delaying their planned surprise attack.

What was the total strength of the combined Union armies at the Battle of Shiloh, and what was their artillery complement?

The combined Union armies at the Battle of Shiloh totaled 66,812 men, with 48,894 from the Army of the Tennessee and 17,918 from the Army of the Ohio. They were equipped with 119 artillery pieces.

What types of small arms were commonly used by Union soldiers at Shiloh?

Most Union soldiers were armed with either a .69 caliber Model 1841 rifled musket or a .69 caliber Model 1842 smoothbore musket. Some regiments also possessed more modern weapons, such as the .58 caliber Springfield Model 1855, British Enfield, or Austrian Lorenz rifles.

How was the Army of the Tennessee structured, and who commanded its divisions?

The Army of the Tennessee, commanded by Major General Ulysses S. Grant, consisted of six divisions. These were led by Major General John Alexander McClernand (1st), Brigadier General William H. L. Wallace (2nd), Major General Lew Wallace (3rd), Brigadier General Stephen A. Hurlbut (4th), Brigadier General William Tecumseh Sherman (5th), and Brigadier General Benjamin M. Prentiss (6th).

Which Union divisions were noted for their combat experience, and which were less experienced at the start of the battle?

The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Divisions of the Army of the Tennessee, commanded by McClernand, W.H.L. Wallace, and Lew Wallace respectively, consisted largely of veteran fighters. In contrast, Sherman's 5th Division and Prentiss's 6th Division had little combat experience.

What role did U.S. Navy gunboats play in Grant's forces at Shiloh?

Grant utilized two U.S. Navy gunboats, the USS Tyler and the USS Lexington, commanded by Lieutenant William Gwin and Lieutenant James W. Shirk, respectively. These timberclads, armored with five-inch-thick oak wood, had previously participated in the Battle of Fort Henry and the Battle of Fort Donelson.

How was the Army of the Ohio structured, and what was its state of readiness?

The Army of the Ohio, commanded by Major General Don Carlos Buell, had 17,918 men present at the battle. Although none of its regiments had participated in a major battle, they were all well-trained and well-equipped. Its divisions were led by Brigadier General Alexander McDowell McCook (2nd), Brigadier General William 'Bull' Nelson (4th), Brigadier General Thomas L. Crittenden (5th), and Brigadier General Thomas J. Wood (6th), though only portions of Wood's division arrived in time.

What was the total strength of the Confederate Army of Mississippi, and how many artillery pieces did they possess?

The Confederate Army of Mississippi, commanded by General Albert Sidney Johnston and later P. G. T. Beauregard, had 44,699 men present for duty at the battle. They were equipped with 117 artillery pieces.

How did the Confederate army's organization and armament differ from typical expectations?

Most Confederate troops lacked combat experience, and their regiments were smaller than normal. The army was organized into four smaller corps, partly to deceive the Union about their actual strength, as a typical corps usually comprised about 20,000 men. Their small arms included a variety of weapons such as flintlocks, shotguns, squirrel rifles, and percussion muskets, though some had more accurate Enfield rifles.

What was the significance of Confederate cavalry in the battle's early stages?

Confederate cavalry proved more effective than their Union counterparts, providing General Johnston with crucial intelligence regarding the positions of both Union armies. However, only one-third of the Confederate cavalry possessed weapons at the start of the battle.

Describe the initial Union troop dispositions on the morning of April 6, 1862.

On the morning of April 6, five of Grant's six divisions were camped between Shiloh Church and the Tennessee River. Sherman's division, having been the first to occupy the area, was camped near the main approaches to Pittsburg Landing, with Colonel David Stuart's brigade on the Union left and Sherman's other three brigades forming the Union right near Shiloh Church. Prentiss's division was positioned between Sherman and Stuart, while McClernand and Hurlbut were between Shiloh Church and the river, and W.H.L. Wallace's division was closest to Pittsburg Landing.

Why were the Union camps at Shiloh not fortified, and which divisions were most exposed?

The Union camps at Shiloh were not fortified with defensive lines or entrenchments because no one expected a battle to occur at that specific location. Consequently, the inexperienced divisions of Sherman and Prentiss were positioned most forward, closest to the Confederate forces approaching from Corinth.

How did the Battle of Shiloh officially begin on the morning of April 6?

The battle began around 5:00 AM on April 6, when Confederate pickets from Major Aaron B. Hardcastle's Third Mississippi Battalion fired upon a Union reconnaissance patrol led by Major James E. Powell near James J. Fraley's cotton field. This initial skirmish between small forces lasted for over an hour.

What was General Albert Sidney Johnston's immediate reaction to the start of fighting at Fraley Field?

Upon hearing the commotion at Fraley Field around 5:30 AM, General Albert Sidney Johnston ordered a general attack. He chose to ride to the front lines to lead and inspire his inexperienced troops, effectively ceding overall command of the battle's direction to his second-in-command, General P. G. T. Beauregard, who remained in the rear.

How did Colonel Everett Peabody's unauthorized patrol impact the Confederate surprise attack?

Colonel Everett Peabody's patrol, though unauthorized, partially ruined the Confederate element of surprise. It alerted thousands of Union soldiers, giving them some, albeit brief, time to prepare for the impending full-scale attack.

What challenges did the Confederate army face in maintaining its attack momentum during the early morning of April 6?

The Confederate army faced several challenges, including an hour-long delay in getting all troops ready after Johnston's attack order, and another hour lost skirmishing at Seay Field, which reduced the advantage of their surprise. Furthermore, Beauregard's order to extend the line with Polk and Breckinridge's corps diluted the attack's effectiveness, and the intermingling of units made control difficult.

How did General William Tecumseh Sherman perform during the initial Confederate assault, despite his division's inexperience?

Despite his division's lack of combat experience and his own negligence in preparing for an attack, General William Tecumseh Sherman displayed 'coolness and courage.' He inspired his raw troops, and his performance during the first day of the battle is cited by historians as a turning point in his career, helping him become a premier Union general.

What happened to Colonel Everett Peabody during the Confederate attack on Prentiss's division?

Colonel Everett Peabody, commander of the First Brigade from Prentiss's division, was attacked by two Confederate brigades. He was wounded four times before ultimately being killed in action.

What issue arose among Confederate soldiers after capturing Union camps in the morning of April 6?

After capturing the Union camps of Sherman and Prentiss, Confederate soldiers began looting, finding clothing, rifles, and food. This widespread plundering caused disorganization and made it difficult for Confederate leaders to maintain control of their forces, leading to a pause in their attack.

How did General Ulysses S. Grant respond to the initial sounds of battle from his headquarters in Savannah?

Upon hearing the distant artillery fire from his headquarters in Savannah, General Grant, who was on crutches due to a fall, immediately ordered General Bull Nelson to march his division along the east side of the Tennessee River to be ferried to Pittsburg Landing. Grant then proceeded by steamboat to Crump's Landing and then to Pittsburg Landing to assess the situation.

What was the 'Sunken Road,' and why did it become a significant defensive position?

The 'Sunken Road' was an old wagon track, referred to as an 'abandoned road' in official records, that ran from Duncan Field to a peach orchard. It had an embankment, ranging from a few inches to reportedly three feet deep, which provided a natural entrenchment. This position, along with the surrounding woods, became known as the 'Hornet's Nest' by Confederates due to the intense fighting and difficulty of frontal assaults against Union troops sheltered there.

What was General Prentiss's order regarding the defense of the Sunken Road, and how was his force reinforced?

General Prentiss, with only about 600 men and portions of two batteries remaining from his division, was reinforced by 600 men from the 23rd Missouri Infantry Regiment. Grant visited this 1,200-man force and explicitly ordered Prentiss to 'hold at all hazards' at the Sunken Road.

What factors made frontal assaults on the Sunken Road difficult for Confederate attackers?

Frontal assaults on the Sunken Road were difficult for Confederate attackers due to several factors: Union troops were protected by hickory and oak trees, some possessed modern weapons, and they utilized fences for shelter. Additionally, many Confederate attacks had to cross open ground, making them vulnerable.

What happened to General Albert Sidney Johnston during the afternoon of April 6?

General Albert Sidney Johnston, the Confederate commander, was mortally wounded around 2:30 PM on April 6. He was struck by a bullet that tore his popliteal artery in his right leg, causing him to bleed to death approximately 100 yards south of the Bell Farm. He was the highest-ranking soldier killed in combat during the American Civil War.

Who assumed command of the Confederate army after Johnston's death?

Following General Albert Sidney Johnston's death, General P. G. T. Beauregard officially assumed command of the Confederate Army of Mississippi. Some historians note that Beauregard had already been directing the army from the rear while Johnston was at the front, effectively performing the role of army commander.

What was the 'Bloody Pond,' and what happened there after Johnston's death?

The 'Bloody Pond' was a body of water located between the Peach Orchard and Wicker Field. After Johnston's death, many exhausted Confederate soldiers, whose attack had stalled, drank from this pond, which earned its grim name from the blood of the wounded.

How did Union gunboats contribute to the defense of Pittsburg Landing in the late afternoon of April 6?

In the late afternoon of April 6, the Union gunboats USS Tyler and USS Lexington positioned themselves south of Pittsburg Landing and began shelling Confederate batteries and advancing troops. As the Tennessee River was at high tide, the gunboats could elevate their guns and use lower charges to hit targets closer to the river with increasing accuracy, providing psychological impact and direct hits on Confederate brigades.

What defensive measures did Colonel Joseph Dana Webster organize at Pittsburg Landing?

In the late afternoon of April 6, Colonel Joseph Dana Webster, a veteran of the Mexican–American War, was tasked by Grant with establishing a defensive position at Pittsburg Landing. He rallied stragglers and noncombatant personnel, assembling approximately 50 artillery pieces, including siege guns, on a ridge to form 'Grant's Last Line.'

Why did General Beauregard call off the Confederate attacks at the end of the first day?

Beauregard called off all attacks shortly after 6:00 PM, near sunset, believing Grant's army could be eliminated the next day. His decision was influenced by the Confederate army's severe disorganization, exhaustion (with about 8,000 casualties), the approaching darkness which made night attacks risky, and his unawareness of the Union reinforcements arriving.

What was the condition of Grant's army at the end of the first day, before reinforcements arrived?

At the end of the first day, Grant's army had suffered 7,000 killed and wounded, 3,000 captured, and an estimated 10,000 men who were afraid to fight. Before reinforcements, he had approximately 18,000 fighters on his Last Line, who were hungry, tired, and forced to sleep in the open without blankets due to captured camps and cold, rainy weather.

What was General Grant's resolve at the end of the first day, despite heavy losses?

Despite the heavy losses and the difficult situation, General Grant remained resolute. When his chief engineer, Colonel James B. McPherson, asked if retreat preparations should begin, Grant famously replied, 'Retreat? No! I propose to attack at daylight and whip them.'

How did the Union forces prepare for the second day of battle on the night of April 6-7?

On the night of April 6-7, Union forces received significant reinforcements. Lew Wallace's fresh division (5,800 troops) arrived around 7:15 PM, and Brigadier General Thomas Crittenden's division (nearly 18,000 men) from Buell's army began arriving at 9:00 PM, with the entire division at the landing by 11:00 PM. These fresh troops were integrated into the Union line, and Grant planned a sunrise attack.

What was the state of the Confederate army on the morning of April 7, and what reinforcements did they receive?

On the morning of April 7, after deducting casualties and desertions, Beauregard's Confederate army numbered fewer than 20,000 fighters. Their only reinforcement was the poorly-armed 47th Tennessee Infantry Regiment, consisting of 600 raw recruits, which arrived at 8:00 AM.

How did the Union counterattacks begin on April 7?

The Union counterattacks commenced at 5:00 AM on April 7, with Nelson's three brigades from Buell's army advancing on the east side of the Union line. Crittenden's division joined Nelson's right a few hours later, and brigades from McCook's division gradually extended the line further west.

What significant event occurred at the Davis Wheat Field on April 7?

At the Davis Wheat Field, a small area between Barnes Field and the Peach Orchard, Colonel William B. Hazen's brigade from Nelson's division sustained more than half of the total losses that Nelson's division incurred for the entire second day of the battle.

How did Grant's attack on April 7 unfold on the western side of the battlefield?

Grant's attack began with Lew Wallace's fresh division successfully driving Pond's exhausted Confederate brigade from Jones Field. After a Confederate counterattack by Gibson and Wood, Sherman's division joined the line, pushing the Confederates back. McClernand and Hurlbut also engaged, leading to an advance by all four Union divisions at 10:30 AM.

What was the outcome of the afternoon fighting on April 7, particularly regarding the Confederate resistance?

In the afternoon of April 7, Buell's forces continued their attack, with Nelson and Crittenden reaching the Hamburg-Purdy Road within two hours. Despite the Confederate army holding off Buell's fresh troops for a total of six hours, their resistance was nearing its end as Union forces, including McCook's division and Grant's reserve brigades, steadily pushed them back.

Why did General Beauregard decide to withdraw the Confederate army from Shiloh?

General Beauregard decided to withdraw the Confederate army after learning that Brigadier General Earl Van Dorn's anticipated 20,000 reinforcements were still far away. Realizing that further resistance was futile, he began preparations for a withdrawal to Corinth around 1:00 PM.

How did Beauregard attempt to cover the Confederate withdrawal?

To cover the withdrawal, General Beauregard ordered Breckinridge's corps to form a rear guard position near Shiloh Church around 2:00 PM. Confederate batteries around the church then initiated a bombardment campaign designed to deceive Union soldiers into believing the Confederate army was still present, allowing the last of the artillery to be hauled away by 3:30 PM.

What happened during the Union pursuit at Fallen Timbers on April 8?

On April 8, Union forces led by Sherman and Wood pursued the retreating Confederates. Breckinridge's rear guard, including Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalry, engaged Sherman's men near fallen timber. Forrest's cavalry attacked, causing some Union soldiers to flee, and Forrest himself was wounded but escaped. Sherman subsequently ended the pursuit.

What was the broader impact of the high casualty count at Shiloh on Union leadership's perception of the war?

The unprecedented high number of casualties at Shiloh, totaling nearly 24,000, helped convince many Union leaders that the American Civil War would not be a quick conflict, especially in the Western Theater.

Battle Of Shiloh Wiki: Shiloh's Crucible: A Deep Dive into the Western Theater's Bloodiest Dawn

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Overview

A Defining Engagement

The Battle of Shiloh, also recognized as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, represented a critical engagement in the American Civil War, unfolding over two intense days from April 6–7, 1862. This significant conflict transpired in southwestern Tennessee, within the broader Western Theater of the war. The battlefield itself was situated between a modest, unadorned church named Shiloh—a Hebrew term signifying "place of peace"—and Pittsburg Landing, a vital point on the Tennessee River.^[8]

Commanders and Combatants

The Union forces, primarily comprising Major General Ulysses S. Grant's Army of the Tennessee and elements of Major General Don Carlos Buell's Army of the Ohio, confronted the Confederate Army of Mississippi. Initially led by General Albert Sidney Johnston, the Confederate command shifted to General P. G. T. Beauregard following Johnston's mortal wounding on the first day of battle.^[42] The combined Union armies ultimately secured a victory, albeit at a staggering cost.

A Sanguine Toll

Despite the Union triumph, the battle exacted an unprecedented human toll. It emerged as the costliest engagement of the Civil War up to that point, with nearly 24,000 casualties across both sides. This grim statistic solidified Shiloh's place as one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict, profoundly impacting perceptions of the war's potential duration and severity.^[244]^[245]

Strategic Context

Riverine Victories

Prior to Shiloh, February 1862 witnessed significant Union successes under Ulysses S. Grant at the Battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson. These victories, aided by U.S. Navy gunboats, secured crucial transportation routes along the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, which were vital to the Confederacy for supplies and troop movements. The capture of Nashville, a key industrial and logistical hub, further underscored the strategic importance of these early Union advances.^[1]^[2]

Union Objectives

The Union strategy aimed to consolidate Grant's Army of the Tennessee with Buell's Army of the Ohio, then advance southward to capture Corinth, Mississippi. Corinth was a critical Confederate stronghold due to its position at the intersection of two major railroads, facilitating the movement of Confederate resources between Tennessee and Virginia.^[15] This combined force would then serve as a springboard for further incursions into Confederate territory, targeting cities like Memphis and Vicksburg.^[6]

Confederate Counter-Strategy

Recognizing the impending numerical superiority of the Union forces, Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston opted for a preemptive strike. His plan was to launch a surprise attack on Grant's army at Pittsburg Landing on April 4, before Buell's reinforcements could arrive. The objective was to drive the Union forces northwest into the swampy terrain near Snake and Owl creeks, effectively isolating them from their supply lines and preventing their resupply via the Tennessee River.^[23] However, logistical challenges and adverse weather conditions delayed the Confederate advance, pushing the attack to April 6.^[22]

Opposing Forces

The Union Army

The Union contingent at Shiloh, part of the Department of the Mississippi under Major General Henry Halleck, totaled 66,812 men and 119 artillery pieces.^[25]

Army of the Tennessee (Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant):

Strength: 48,894 men.^[25]
Divisions:
- 1st Division: Maj. Gen. John Alexander McClernand (veteran).^[37]
- 2nd Division: Brig. Gen. William H. L. Wallace (veteran, new commander).^[37]
- 3rd Division: Maj. Gen. Lew Wallace (veteran).^[37]
- 4th Division: Brig. Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut (mixed experience).^[37]
- 5th Division: Brig. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman (little combat experience, West Point trained).^[42]
- 6th Division: Brig. Gen. Benjamin M. Prentiss (little combat experience).^[42]
Naval Support: USS Tyler and USS Lexington (timberclads with 5-inch oak armor), providing significant firepower.^[44]
Armament: Primarily .69 caliber Model 1841 rifled muskets or Model 1842 smoothbore muskets. Some units carried more modern .58 caliber Springfield Model 1855, British Enfield, or Austrian Lorenz rifles.^[28]

Army of the Ohio (Maj. Gen. Don Carlos Buell):

Strength: 17,918 men (portions did not arrive in time).^[25]
Divisions:
- 2nd Division: Brig. Gen. Alexander McDowell McCook.^[42]
- 4th Division: Brig. Gen. William "Bull" Nelson.^[51]
- 5th Division: Brig. Gen. Thomas L. Crittenden.^[42]
- 6th Division: Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Wood (only partial brigades arrived).^[42]
Training: Well-trained and equipped, despite lacking major battle experience.^[50]

The Confederate Army

The Confederate Army of Mississippi, under General Albert Sidney Johnston, initially mustered 44,699 men and 117 artillery pieces.^[25]

Army of Mississippi (Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, later Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard):

Strength: 44,699 men (excluding cavalry and 47th Tennessee).^[25]
Corps:
- First Corps: Maj. Gen. Leonidas Polk (two divisions).^[53]
- Second Corps: Maj. Gen. Braxton Bragg (two divisions, best drilled and disciplined).^[54]
- Third Corps: Maj. Gen. William J. Hardee (three brigades).^[54]
- Reserve Corps: Brig. Gen. John C. Breckinridge (three brigades, plus unassigned cavalry/batteries).^[54]
Armament: A diverse array including flintlocks, shotguns, squirrel rifles, and percussion muskets. A few thousand accurate Enfield rifles were distributed, with more captured during combat.^[57] Cavalry was initially poorly armed.^[57]
Experience: Most Confederate troops lacked combat experience, and regiments were often understrength.^[57]

Day One: April 6, 1862

The Surprise Attack

On the morning of April 6, five of Grant's six divisions were encamped near Shiloh Church and Pittsburg Landing, largely without defensive entrenchments, as an attack was not anticipated.^[43] Around 5:00 AM, a Union patrol led by Major James E. Powell from Prentiss's division unexpectedly encountered Confederate skirmishers at Fraley Field, initiating the battle.^[71] This early skirmish, though unauthorized, provided a crucial, albeit brief, warning to the Union forces.^[76]

Union Lines Crumble

General Johnston ordered a general Confederate assault around 5:30 AM. The attack, initially disorganized and spread thin, focused on a frontal assault rather than the planned flanking maneuver.^[80] Sherman's and Prentiss's inexperienced divisions bore the brunt of the initial Confederate onslaught. Despite Sherman's "coolness and courage," his division was slowly pushed back, as were Prentiss's men, who lost their camps to the advancing Confederates. Widespread looting by Confederate soldiers further disrupted their command and control.^[91]

The Hornet's Nest

As Union forces retreated, a strong defensive position formed along a sunken wagon track and adjacent woods, later dubbed the "Hornet's Nest." Here, remnants of Prentiss's and W.H.L. Wallace's divisions, reinforced by Grant, held their ground against repeated, ferocious Confederate assaults.^[123] This tenacious stand, lasting for hours, bought critical time for Grant to organize a final defensive line near Pittsburg Landing. However, the cost was immense: W.H.L. Wallace was mortally wounded, and Prentiss, along with approximately 2,200 Union soldiers, was eventually captured around 5:30 PM.^[185]

Johnston's Fall & Beauregard's Halt

In the early afternoon, General Albert Sidney Johnston, leading from the front, was mortally wounded by a bullet that severed his popliteal artery. He bled to death at 2:30 PM, becoming the highest-ranking officer killed in combat during the Civil War.^[153] Command passed to General Beauregard. By sunset, with Union gunboats providing critical artillery support to Grant's "Last Line" at Pittsburg Landing, and Confederate forces exhausted and disorganized, Beauregard called off the attacks, believing victory was assured the next day. He was unaware of the significant Union reinforcements arriving throughout the night.^[196]

Day Two: April 7, 1862

Union Counteroffensive

Overnight, Grant's Army of the Tennessee was significantly reinforced by Lew Wallace's fresh division and nearly 18,000 men from Buell's Army of the Ohio. In stark contrast, Beauregard received only a single, poorly armed regiment of 600 recruits. At 5:00 AM, the Union launched a coordinated counterattack. Buell's divisions advanced on the east, while Grant's forces pushed on the west, aiming to reclaim the ground lost the previous day.^[215]

Renewed Ferocity

The fighting on the second day was as fierce as the first. Buell's forces, particularly Nelson's division, faced heavy resistance at locations like the Davis Wheat Field, incurring significant casualties. Despite this, the Union advance was relentless. Grant's divisions, led by Lew Wallace, Sherman, McClernand, and Hurlbut, systematically pushed back the exhausted Confederate lines, often engaging in intense, close-quarters combat.^[223]

Confederate Withdrawal

By early afternoon, Beauregard realized that the anticipated reinforcements under Brigadier General Earl Van Dorn would not arrive. Facing overwhelming numbers and with his army severely depleted and disorganized, he initiated preparations for a strategic withdrawal to Corinth around 1:00 PM.^[228] Breckinridge's corps formed a rear guard, using a deceptive artillery bombardment near Shiloh Church to mask the Confederate retreat. By 3:30 PM, the last Confederate artillery was being hauled away, marking the end of the main battle.^[230]

Fallen Timbers: April 8

The Pursuit

On April 8, the day after the main battle, Union forces under Sherman and Wood initiated a pursuit of the retreating Confederates. This action, however, was met with a determined rear guard led by Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest, commanding approximately 350 cavalrymen.^[233]

Forrest's Ambush

Forrest's cavalry, a mixed force armed with revolvers and shotguns, was instructed to engage only at very close range. As Sherman's men advanced through fallen timber near a small creek, Forrest's group launched a fierce ambush, causing significant Union casualties and some panic. In the ensuing skirmish, Forrest himself was wounded at close range but managed to escape.^[234]

End of Engagement

Following this sharp engagement, Sherman halted the pursuit, and Breckinridge's Confederate forces continued their withdrawal southward. The brief but intense clash at Fallen Timbers underscored the lingering dangers of the retreating enemy and added to the battle's overall casualty count.^[234]

Aftermath

Casualty Figures

The Battle of Shiloh resulted in a staggering 23,746 casualties, making it one of the bloodiest engagements of the entire Civil War. Union forces sustained 13,047 casualties, including 1,754 killed, 8,408 wounded, and 2,885 missing or captured. Grant's Army of the Tennessee accounted for 10,944 of these, while Buell's Army of the Ohio suffered 2,103.^[25] Confederate casualties totaled 10,699, with 1,728 killed, 8,012 wounded, and 959 missing or captured.^[25] These figures, potentially understated by historians, highlighted the brutal reality of modern warfare.

Beyond the raw numbers, several high-ranking officers and notable individuals became casualties:

General Albert Sidney Johnston (Confederate): Mortally wounded on April 6, the highest-ranking officer killed in combat during the war.^[153]
Brigadier General William H. L. Wallace (Union): Mortally wounded during the defense of the Hornet's Nest.^[182]
Colonel Everett Peabody (Union): Killed on April 6, having initiated the early morning patrol.^[87]
Samuel B. Todd (Confederate): Brother of Mary Todd Lincoln, President Abraham Lincoln's wife, was killed.^[243]

The sheer scale of losses at Shiloh surpassed the combined casualties of earlier major battles like Manassas, Wilson's Creek, Fort Donelson, and Pea Ridge, signaling a new, more devastating phase of the conflict.^[246]

Public and Command Reactions

Initial positive news for Grant quickly soured following exaggerated newspaper reports, largely based on accounts from Union deserters, which falsely claimed Grant was surprised and his men bayoneted in their tents. Public opinion shifted, fueled by self-serving narratives from some of Buell's officers, and rumors of Grant's alleged drunkenness circulated.^[249] Lincoln, however, famously defended Grant, stating, "I can't spare this man; he fights."^[250]

Grant's Lack of Fortifications: A significant criticism leveled against Grant was the absence of defensive entrenchments at the Pittsburg Landing camps, a decision some historians deem a critical mistake.^[251]
Lew Wallace's Delay: Major General Lew Wallace faced severe criticism for his division's delayed arrival on the battlefield, having taken a wrong road. While initially removed from Grant's army, later evidence, including a letter from Wallace, led Grant to believe the criticism was largely unjustified given the unclear orders and battlefield confusion.^[255]
Beauregard's Halt: Confederate President Jefferson Davis and later critics blamed Beauregard for not pressing the attack on the evening of April 6. However, modern historians argue that the Confederate army's extreme disorganization, exhaustion, low ammunition, and the strong Union defensive position (reinforced by gunboats) made a successful night assault implausible.^[128]

Strategic Implications

The Union victory at Shiloh, despite its high cost, proved strategically vital. Confederate President Davis lamented Johnston's death as the "turning point of our fate" in the Western Theater.^[262] The battle severely diminished the Confederacy's prospects of regaining control of the upper Mississippi Valley and signaled the beginning of a protracted war of attrition.^[263] The Union army was now positioned to penetrate deeper into the South, leading to the capture of Corinth, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Memphis in the subsequent months, and ultimately setting the stage for Grant's pivotal Siege of Vicksburg in 1863.^[266]

Lasting Legacy

Battlefield Preservation

The profound historical significance of Shiloh led to concerted efforts for its preservation. The Pittsburg Landing National Cemetery was established in 1866, later renamed Shiloh National Cemetery in 1889.^[269] The Shiloh National Military Park was formally created by the United States Congress on December 27, 1894, and transferred to the National Park Service in 1933.^[270]

Key Sites

Today, the park encompasses over 5,200 acres, preserving crucial areas of the battle. Visitors can explore sites such as the infamous Bloody Pond, the fiercely contested Hornet's Nest, Pittsburg Landing, and a nearly exact reconstruction of the original Shiloh Church, built with 150-year-old timber.^[272] Other preserved locations include Fraley Field, the Peach Orchard, Ruggles' Battery, Grant's Last Line, and the poignant site of General Johnston's death.^[273]

Ongoing Efforts

Non-profit organizations like the American Battlefield Trust have played a vital role, working with partners to conserve over 1,401 acres of the Shiloh and Fallen Timbers battlefields through numerous transactions between 2001 and 2023.^[271] These efforts ensure that future generations can reflect upon and learn from this pivotal moment in American history.

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References

Gudmens & Combat Studies Institute (U.S.), Staff Ride Team 2005, p. 17

Gudmens & Combat Studies Institute (U.S.), Staff Ride Team 2005, p. 83

Gudmens & Combat Studies Institute (U.S.), Staff Ride Team 2005, p. 26

Gudmens & Combat Studies Institute (U.S.), Staff Ride Team 2005, p. 113

Gudmens & Combat Studies Institute (U.S.), Staff Ride Team 2005, p. 114

Gudmens & Combat Studies Institute (U.S.), Staff Ride Team 2005, p. 116

Gudmens & Combat Studies Institute (U.S.), Staff Ride Team 2005, p. 121

Gudmens & Combat Studies Institute (U.S.), Staff Ride Team 2005, p. 122

Gudmens & Combat Studies Institute (U.S.), Staff Ride Team 2005, p. 126

Gudmens & Combat Studies Institute (U.S.), Staff Ride Team 2005, pp. 126â127

Daniel 1997, p. 322; Cunningham 2009, pp. 423â424; Eicher 2001, p. 230

Cunningham 2009, p. 422; Eicher 2001, p. 230

A full list of references for this article are available at the Battle of Shiloh Wikipedia page

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This is not professional historical or military analysis. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting primary historical sources, academic texts, or expert historians for in-depth research and understanding of the American Civil War. Always refer to reputable historical documentation and scholarly works for specific academic or research needs. Never disregard professional historical consensus because of something you have read on this website.

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Shiloh's Crucible

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview 📜

🗓️ A Defining Engagement

🤝 Commanders and Combatants

💔 A Sanguine Toll

Strategic Context 🗺️

🌊 Riverine Victories

🎯 Union Objectives

🚨 Confederate Counter-Strategy

Opposing Forces 🎖️

🦅 The Union Army

Army of the Tennessee (Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant):

Army of the Ohio (Maj. Gen. Don Carlos Buell):

confederate The Confederate Army

Army of Mississippi (Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, later Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard):

Day One: April 6, 1862 🌅

🌄 The Surprise Attack

🌪️ Union Lines Crumble

🐝 The Hornet's Nest

⚰️ Johnston's Fall & Beauregard's Halt

Day Two: April 7, 1862 ☀️

🔄 Union Counteroffensive

💪 Renewed Ferocity

retreat Confederate Withdrawal

Fallen Timbers: April 8 🌲

🚶 The Pursuit

ambush Forrest's Ambush

🛑 End of Engagement

Aftermath 💔

🩸 Casualty Figures

🗣️ Public and Command Reactions

📈 Strategic Implications

Lasting Legacy 🏛️

🌳 Battlefield Preservation

📍 Key Sites

🤝 Ongoing Efforts

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Defining Engagement

Commanders and Combatants

A Sanguine Toll

Strategic Context

Riverine Victories

Union Objectives

Confederate Counter-Strategy

Opposing Forces

The Union Army

The Confederate Army

Day One: April 6, 1862

The Surprise Attack

Union Lines Crumble

The Hornet's Nest

Johnston's Fall & Beauregard's Halt

Day Two: April 7, 1862

Union Counteroffensive

Renewed Ferocity

Confederate Withdrawal

Fallen Timbers: April 8

The Pursuit

Forrest's Ambush

End of Engagement

Aftermath

Casualty Figures

Public and Command Reactions

Strategic Implications

Lasting Legacy

Battlefield Preservation

Key Sites

Ongoing Efforts

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice