Pittsburg Landing near Shiloh in Hardin County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

First Engagement on Shiloh Battlefield

Photographed by Craig Swain, March 16, 2009

1. First Engagement on Shiloh Battlefield Tablet

Inscription. On the first day of March 1862, Gibson's (La.) Battery occupied this bluff, and was supported by the 18th Louisiana Infantry, and a detachment of cavalry. At about 10 a.m. the battery opened fire upon the U.S. gunboats Tyler and Lexington which were ascending the river. The fire was returned by the gunboats and after a short engagement, in which a house standing near here was burned, the battery was driven away.

Companies "C" and "K" 23d Illinois Infantry,landed from the gunboats; took possession of two 32 pdr. guns at this place; advanced to a log house which stood where the cemetery lodge now stands, and were there attacked by the 18th Louisiana and driven back to the boats.

The Union loss was 2 men killed; 6 wounded; 3 missing.

Confederate loss not officially reported. Several dead were left on the field.

The gunboats proceded up the river to Florence, and on their return, - March 4th -, landed at Pittsburg and sent a party out, on the Corinth Road, three miles to a Confederate hospital having a number of wounded men in it.

Confederate pickets were encountered near the hospital and the reconnoitering party returned to the

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boats.

Erected by Shiloh National Military Park Commission. (Marker Number Q.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1862.

Location. 35° 9.053′ N, 88° 19.14′ W. Marker is near Shiloh, Tennessee, in Hardin County. It is in Pittsburg Landing. It can be reached from Pittsburg Landing Road, on the right when traveling west. Located in the Shiloh National Cemetery, Shiloh National Battlefield Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Shiloh TN 38376, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Tennessee.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 9th Illinois Infantry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line);

Photographed by Craig Swain, March 16, 2009

2. First Engagement on Shiloh Battlefield Tablet

Headquarters General U. S. Grant (about 600 feet away); Pittsburg Landing (about 600 feet away); Shiloh National Cemetery (about 600 feet away); Strategic Location (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Shiloh National Cemetery (about 700 feet away); Camp of Powell's Battery (about 700 feet away); 54th Ohio Infantry (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shiloh.

View of the Tennessee River from the Bluffs image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, March 16, 2009

3. View of the Tennessee River from the Bluffs

Looking from the cemetery at the Tennessee River. During the March engagement and later during the April battle, the gunboats Tyler and Lexington maneuvered in the river to provide fire support for the Federal forces.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,765 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 2, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.