Shiloh in Hardin County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Death of General Johnston
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 16, 2009
1. Death of General Johnston Marker
Johnston, who had been slightly wounded earlier, was struck just below the right knee by a stray minie ball. The bullet tore open an artery, causing severe bleeding. Tennessee Governor Isham G. Harris, a volunteer aide, discovered Johnston reeling in his saddle near this point, and led him down to the protected ravine on your right. The general died a few minutes later.
The tree trunk to your left stands at the site of the oak tree under which Gen. Johnston was found mortally wounded.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, Mexican-American • War, US Civil.
Location. 35° 7.795′ N, 88° 19.765′ W. Marker is in Shiloh, Tennessee, in Hardin County. It is on Hamburg-Savannah Road, on the right when traveling north. Located near Spain's Field at stop 12, "the Death of Johnston," on the tour road in Shiloh National Military 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
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Robertson's Alabama Battery (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. In the center is a drawing depicting the death of Gen. Johnston. Attended by Governor Isham G. Harris, General Johnston died quietly from loss of blood. Prompt medical attention could have saved his life, but earlier that day Johnston had dismissed his own surgeon to care for Confederate and Union wounded.
To the right is a portrait of Johnston. Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, a West Point graduate and Mexican War veteran, was highly respected by both sides. Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States, wrote, "In his fall, the
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 16, 2009
2. Wayside at Stop 12 of the Tour
On the far right is a drawing depicting the Confederate headquarters' campfire. The night before the battle, after some of his officers had advised caution and delay, Johnston (third from right) announced, "We shall attack at daylight tomorrow I would fight them if they were a million."
On the upper right is a time line of the battle, with the time of Johnston's death indicated.
Photographed by Mike Stroud
3. Gen. A.S.Johnston Tree
This tree stump, which is no longer standing, is commonly known as the "Johnston Tree." The oft told story is Johnston died under the tree. In reality, he died in the ravine behind the tree. In the early days of the park, a sign was nailed to the tree indicating the place of Johnston's death. From there, some implied the tree itself was the site of the General's last moments.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,136 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on March 23, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 2, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on April 8, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
