Shiloh celebrates 154 years with living history

HARDIN COUNTY, Tenn. — Thousands of people are stepping back in time this week to relive one of the Civil War’s major battles.

Young and old watched and learned Sunday afternoon as they were transported back to 1862.

“Big programs going on this weekend and this week for the 154th Anniversary of Battle of Shiloh the first large battle of the American Civil War,” Ranger Charlie Spearman said.

Shiloh National Military Park is celebrating the anniversary with living history, demonstrations, and guided tours.

“My favorite part was whenever he was loading up the gun and was talking about how he can lose the thing inside the gun,” participant Xander White said. “You get to learn about how all the people had to shoot and use weapons in the war and now it’s so much easier than having to load it in 10 minutes.”

People from all over the world travel to the battlefield to learn of its rich history.

“People all over the country need to know more about what the Civil War was about, how it happened, how it affected our country. It’s the largest war we have ever fought, with over 700,000 men dying in that war. It’s had a lasting impact on our nation, so this is part of our history and has made us what we are,” Ranger Spearman said.

Sailors from the U.S.S. Shiloh were also a part of the exhibit. Sailors stationed with the ship in Japan are at the battlefield this week.

“We are here representing the ship which represents the battle you know it all comes together,” Petty Officer Second Class Nagus Haiman said.

You can visit the park’s website for a full list events this week.