Hikers, Bikers, and Junior Rangers are Invited to Shiloh Battlefield for Ranger Led Programs

News Release Date:
July 13, 2024

Contact: Chris Mekow, 731.689.5696

On Saturday, July 20, all hikers, bikers, and Junior Rangers are invited to Shiloh for three special ranger led programs. "We are very excited to offer these diverse and fun educational programs for the public from our amazing ranger staff," announced Shiloh Park Superintendent Catherine Bragaw.

The hike being offered is entitled: "Crittenden Pushes the Center." Join Park Ranger Timothy Arnold on a hike which will provide a glimpse into the division's advance, following the path of general Thomas Crittenden's Division on the second day of fighting at Shiloh.

Crittenden's 5th Division of General Don Carlos Buell's Army of the Ohio was the center of the Union line as it began its counterattack on April 7th, 1862. To the troops fighting their way through the center of the battlefield that morning, the severity of the previous day's combat became readily apparent. When the Union Division commanded by General Thomas Crittenden approached the dense thicket, which the day before was dubbed, "The Hornets' Nest", they ran into very heavy resistance. Over several hours of fighting the Union advance ground to a halt.

The hike will take place from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm and hikers will meet at Tour Stop #2 (Confederate Monument). The distance of the hike is two miles over moderate terrain passing through woods and crossing small streams. Participants should wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather. Insect repellent and water is recommended.

Bicycle enthusiasts will enjoy our "Monuments with Meaning" bicycle tour. Join Park Ranger Paul Holloway for a bicycle tour of Shiloh Battlefield and learn about the symbolism behind some of the battlefield's most prominent Union monuments.Each monument on the field of Shiloh has significance behind its design and a story to tell. This tour will provide park visitors an opportunity to learn about the underlying symbolism behind these monuments and be able to view them in a new and meaningful light. Do you know why the Iowa Monument had to be repaired or who was the female model for the Illinois State Monument?

The bicycle ride will begin at the park's Visitor Center at 9:30 am and cover about 5-miles. All participants must bring their own bicycle and are reminded to bring water and wear light-colored or reflective clothing appropriate for the weather. Helmets are recommended, but all children under 16 are required to wear a helmet.

"Calling all Junior Rangers!" Join Shiloh for a Junior Ranger Nature Camp. Park rangers will lead a one-mile nature walk through the Shiloh Indian Mounds National Historic Landmark. Participants will explore the local flora and fauna, as well as viewing wildlife that might be out and about. Junior Rangers will also learn about geologic formations and the effects of weather on the landscape.

The camp will be held at the Shiloh Indian Mounds Complex (between tour stops #19 and #20) from 10:00 am through 12:00 pm.

All three programs are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required by calling the park's visitor center at 731-689-5696. Rain and severe weather will cancel the programs.

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