Shiloh Battlefield Tour Guide: The First Day April 6, 1862 - Softcover

Douglas L. Gifford

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1591968844 ISBN 13: 9781591968849

Publisher: Historynutt Books, 2005

Synopsis

The Battle of Shiloh was the first great battle of the Civil War, and one of the most important battles in American history. Touring the battlefield today is a gratifying experience that can be enjoyed by any group, family, or individual interested in military history or the Civil War. Thousands of people visit Shiloh National Military Park each year. Most, however, are content to tour the museum and take the parks generic driving tour. Most visitors never bother to explore past the designated tour stops, and many leave not really understanding what happened on the ground they just visited. This guide offers you the opportunity for much more: explore all the major sites associated with the Battle of Shiloh; walk the ground on which thousands of soldiers fought and died; view and discuss the terrain that was such an important factor in shaping the fighting at Shiloh; review the Confederate battle plans and see how commanders implemented those plans during the stress of combat; examine the battlefield decisions of field commanders on both sides and see how those decisions led ultimately to victory, or defeat. This battlefield tour is arranged in three sections: Confederate right, left, and center, just the opposite of the Union perspective. The tour begins with the first Confederate attacks against Prentiss. 6th Division and then follows the flow of battle north, examining actions on the Confederate right against Stuart s and McArthur s brigades and the Peach Orchard sector, ending with the collapse of the Union left flank. The tour then traces the advance of the Confederate army on their left flank as they drive Sherman from the Shiloh Church sector, shatter McClernand s 1st Division, and then push the Federals toward Pittsburg Landing. The final part of the tour focuses on the development of the Hornets Nest, the eventual capture of the defenders there, and the final Confederate assault on Pittsburg Landing.

About this title

About the Author

Major (Retired) Douglas L. Gifford is the author of five Civil War battlefield tour guides. He is an experienced tour guide, leading tours to Civil War battlefields in Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas. Over the years he has conducted tours for military organizations, school groups, scout troops, and private groups. During a twenty-seven year career Major Gifford led troops conducting operations in Panama, Kosovo, Kuwait, Iraq, and Egypt. He also commanded a Military History Detachment for three years and served for two years as a senior instructor teaching Army officer candidates. Doug holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Excelsior College with an emphasis in history and political science. He is also a graduate of the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College. This unique set of experiences; military commander and staff officer leading soldiers conducting real operations, formal civilian and military education, and extensive research experience, gives Major Gifford a unique set of skills and qualifications which he has used to create his Civil War battlefield tour guide series. After writing five successful battlefield tour guides, Doug has recently published his first book-length history book. Where Valor and Devotion Met: The Battle of Pilot Knob. This book is the first scholarly work on the battle to be published in the last thirty years, and the definitive work on the Battle of Pilot Knob.

Edition details

• Publisher: Historynutt Books
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1591968844
• ISBN 13: 9781591968849
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 80