Near Shiloh in Hardin County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Union Line of Defense
Still advancing, firing as we moved, I, at last saw a row of little globes of pearly smoke streaked with crimson, breaking out with spurtive quickness from a long line of bluey figures in front; and, simultaneously, there broke upon our ears an appalling crash of sound, the series of fusillades following one another with startling suddenness, which suggested to my somewhat moidered sense a mountain upheaved, with huge rocks rumbling and thundering down a slope, and the echoes rumbling and receding through space.
"Twenty thousand muskets were being fired at this stage, but though accuracy of aim was impossible, owing to our laboring hearts, and the jarring and excitement, many bullets found their destined billets on both sides."
-Henry M. Stanley
6th Arkansas Infantry
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 35° 7.389′ N, 88° 21.03′ W. Marker is near Shiloh, Tennessee, in Hardin County. Marker is on Reconnoitering Road, on the right when traveling north. Located at stop nine, Union Lines of Defense, near Rhea Field of the driving tour of Shiloh National Military Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Shiloh TN 38376, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 7th Arkansas and 2d Arkansas (a few steps from this marker); 25th Missouri Infantry (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 12th Michigan Infantry (about 500 feet away); Confederate Attack (about 500 feet away); 21st Missouri and pickets (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wood's Brigade (approx. ¼ mile away); Shaver's Brigade (approx. ¼ mile away); 21st Missouri Infantry (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shiloh.
More about this marker. In the center is a drawing depicting the fighting at this point. To the right is a portrait of Stanly. Henry M. Stanley, later a renowned journalist and explorer, served as a private with the "Dixie Grays" of the 6th Arkansas Infantry. Stanley was only 21 when he marched into his first great battle here. A fourth of his companions were under 20. To the right is a map depicting the fighting in this sector around 7:30 a.m. At the top is a time line of the battle.
Also see . . . The Battle of Shiloh. Eyewitness to History article with more of Henry M. Stanley's recollections. (Submitted on September 1, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,058 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 1, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.