Confederate Army Approach Trail 5

CONFEDERATE ARMY APPROACH TRAIL 5

 Before taking the Shiloh Military Trail Hike # 5 along the route from Corinth to Shiloh, the hiker should have previously completed the four different specified hikes through the Park. This is not a requirement but a recommendation.

HISTORY

The hiker on the Shiloh Military Trail Hike #5 will follow the general route of General A.S. Johnston's Confederate Army marching to the Battle of Shiloh. This Army left Corinth, Miss, on April 2, 1862 and marched for 3 days, much of it through the mud in wet rainy weather to reach the area in the vicinity of the present intersection of Tenn. State Highway #22 and #142 on Saturday evening, April, 1862. Here they bivouacked the night before the Battle of Shiloh opened in Fraley Field early Sunday morning, April 6. Johnston's army consisted of Gen. Braxton Bragg's 1st Corps, Gen. Leonidas Polk's 2nd Corps, Gen. Wm. J. Hardee's 3rd Corps and Gen. J.C. Breckinridge's Reserve Corps.

REQUIREMENTS

1.  The SMT Hike #5 hiker must complete the following requirements:

2.  Walk the entire 20 mile trail on foot observing all rules of hike safety, etc., en route.

3.  Write answers on the credentials card to all questions asked about the historical markers and monuments along the way.

4.   Read the book "Shiloh" by Shelby Foote and submit, in your own words, a 300-word report on this historical novel. There are seven chapters in this book. Your report should contain at least one paragraph about each chapter. This should preferably be don BEFORE making the Hike.

5.  Submit the completed Credential Card, book report and remittance for the award to the Shiloh Military Trail Committee.

ROUTE

The route of this hike is indicated on the map for Trail #5. The Shiloh Hike #5 begins at the Miss - Tenn. State Line, approximately 5 miles from the city limits of Corinth, Ms., on Ms. State Highway #2 (this becomes TN. #22 at the State line). The trail is approximately 20 miles in length and ends at the Park Visitors' Center where you are to check in with the Ranger on duty. YOU MUST HAVE A COMPASS TO MAKE THIS HIKE.

RULES TO BE OBSERVED WHILE TAKING HIKE #5.

1.  Do not give any appearance of "hitch - hiking" and do not accept any rides offered

2.  Be sure to walk single file on the shoulder of the road on your left facing traffic. See Boy Scout Handbook or read the Hiking Merit Badge Booklet for rules about safe hiking.

3.  The hike should be made in daylight hours. If any hiking is done before or after daylight, a flashlight must be carried and used.

4.  Be courteous and be a credit to the high ideals of Scouting. Do not deface property, do no throw rocks, and do not throw paper and trash along the way.

5.  A sacked lunch, canteen, compass and pencil are necessary - carry them. Refreshments may be purchased in stores along the hike route.

ALL SHILOH MILITARY TRAIL HIKES ARE APPROVED BY B.S.A. NATIONAL CAMPING SERVICE.

REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARDS:

  1. Read (or listen attentively to it being read) the story which accompanies the hike directions. It is recommended that this be read aloud by a leader to a hiking group before, then again as the hike is made.
  2. Take the self-guided automobile tour of the battlefield as per the National Parks Service map and brochure given out in the Visitor Center.
  3. Take the entire hike exactly as specified.
  4. Each hiker fills out his own Credential Card as he makes the hikes. Each is to write answers to questions asked on the Trek Instruction Sheet. 
  5. Visit the Shiloh National Military Park Visitor Center and Museum and while these see the movie "Shiloh - Portrait Of A Battle".
  6. Abide by all rules of the Shiloh Military Trail Committee and the National Parks Service at Shiloh National Military Park. 

A. All hikers must be under the supervision of a responsible adult leader at all times while in Shiloh National Military Park. Scout groups should wear uniforms.

B. Hike Safely, be especially careful when hiking along or crossing roads.

C. Do not leave any litter along the way. Be a good example for other park visitors. It is recommended that hikers do a good turn by picking up any litter observed on the route and placing it in trash cans located throughout the park.

D. Be courteous, orderly, and most cooperative when visiting indoor areas such as the Visitors Center, Ed Shaw's Restaurants, the Park Book Store, ETC.


AWARDS:

Upon successfully completing the requirements for the Shiloh Military Trail Compass Hike you are entitled to purchase if you wish an attractive Compass Trail Patch. This patch is fully embroidered in four colors. Small pins also available.

TRAIL #5

ANSWER CARD

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TRAIL #5

MAP

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TRAIL #5

INSTRUCTIONS

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CONFEDERATE ARMY APPROACH TRAIL 5 Hiking Instructions

Start

START SMT HIKE #5 at Tenn. - Miss. State line (Ms side of line) on Miss. Highway # 2, which becomes Tennessee Highway # 22.

  • Question 1:

    A very short distance, about 200 feet, from the start of the trail on our right you will come to a black rectangular plaque with a C. S. (Confederate State) on it. 

    WHO COMMANDED THE CORPS OF JOHNSTON'S CONFEDERATE ARMY THAT APPROACHED SHILOH ALONG THIS ROUTE?

  • Question 2:

    The next historical marker you will come to will be about four miles from the start. It will be labeled 4C-21 and tells about the confederate withdrawal from Shiloh. 

    HOW MANY SABRES OF CAVALRY DID COL. NATHAN BEDFORD FORREST HAVE WITH HIM WHEN THEY VERY EFFECTIVELY STOPPED UNION PURSUIT?

  • Question 3:

    About 0.8 mile farther along this road you will reach Michie, TN. And there find another "CS" plaque. 

    WHERE, FROM THIS POINT, DOES THE PLAQUES SAY JOHNSTON'S ARMY WAS CONCENTRATED ON APRIL 5, 1862?

  • Question 4:

    About 0.2 miles from the above plaque and still in  Michie you will find another historical marker labeled 4C-11. 

    FROM WHERE DID BRECKINRIDGE'S RESERVE CORPS MARCH TO REACH THIS AREA?

  • Question 5:

    Approximately 8.2 miles from the start you will cross the Tennessee State Highway #57. Here you will see a historical marker labeled 4C-19.  ACCORDING TO THIS MARKER HOW FAR AWAY AND IN WHAT DIRECTION DID THE BATTLE OF SHILOH START?

  • Question 6:

    Continue hiking northwards along TN #22 and after another 0.3 mile you will cross a bridge over Lick Creek. A historical marker will be found just north of this bridge. 

    ON WHAT DAY DID MCCOOK'S DIVISION OF BUELL'S ARMY CROSS THIS CREEK AT THIS PINT AS THEY MOVED TOWARD CORINTH?

  • Question 7:

    You will now hike from 2.8 miles before reaching the next historical marker (which will be 11.3 miles from the start). 

    WHAT WAS THE NAME OF THE BRIGADIER GENERAL WHO COMMANDED THE 2ND_BRIGADE OF BRECKINRIDGE'S CORPS?

  • Question 8:

    Now hike 0.1 mile farther and you will reach another plaque. 

    WHO COMMAND THE BRIGADE WHICH BIVOUACKED HERE SATURDAY NIGHT, APRIL 5, 1862?

  • Question 9:

    Now hike 0.1 mile, you will see a marker telling about Polk's First Corps.  Note that the two generals commanding a division of this corps were wounded. 

    WHAT WERE THESE TWO WOUNDED GENERALS' NAMES?

  • Question 10:

     After 0.1 mile you will see another plaque. 

    WHOSE BRIGADE BIVOUACKED HERE SATURDAY NIGHT, APRIL 5, 1862?

  • Question 11:

     Hike another 0.2 miles and off to your left you will see a marker locating Gen. Beauregard's Headquarters that Saturday night before the battle.  

    FOR WHAT OTHER PURPOSE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAQUE, DID THE CONFEDERATE ARMY USE THIS SITE?

  • Question 12:

     Almost immediately you will reach four plaques on your left. Read the tablet about Johnston's Army of the Mississippi.  

    WHICH OF JOHNSTON'S CORPS COMMANDERS WAS WOUNDED IN THIS BATTLE?

  • Question 13:

     Read the plaque about Grant's Army of the Tennessee. 

    WHICH OF GRANT'S DIVISION COMMANDERS WAS WOUNDED IN THIS BATTLE (NOT MORTALLY)?

  • Question 14:

    Read the plaque about Buell's Army of the Ohio. The four division commanders of this army all had the same rank. 

    WHAT WAS THEIR RANK?

  • Question 15:

    Read the plaque telling about Bragg's Corps of Johnston's Army. 

    WHAT WAS THE NAME AND RANK OF THE COMMANDER OF THE 1ST_DIVISION OF THIS CORPS?

  • Question 16:

    About 0.1 mile farther along the trail you will reach another marker. 

    WHO COMMANDED THE BRIGADE THAT BIVOUACKED HERE THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BATTLE?

  • Question 17:

    Now continue hiking for another 0.5 mile to reach the intersection of TN Highways #2 and #142. Walk north from Ed Shaw's Restaurant into Woods Field. A red plaque in this field tells about the Miss Infantry Battalion that first exchanged shots with the Union Reconnoitering Party to open the Battle of Shiloh.  

    WHO COMMANDED THIS 3RD BRIGADE?

  • Question 18:

    Now proceed eastwards for about 300 yards to find a blue plaque telling about the Union Reconnoitering Party.  

    WHO WAS THE BRIGADE COMMANDER (1st) OF WHICH THE 25TH MISSOURI WAS A PART?

  • Question 19:

    Now continue down Reconnoitering Road to reach the Peabody Mortuary Monument located where Reconnoitering Road meets Peabody Road. On each corner of this monument is a small stack of cannonballs.  

    HOW MANY CANNONBALLS ARE VISIBLE ON ONE SIDE OF ONE SMALL STACK?  

  • Question 20:

    HERE YOU WILL NEED A COMPASS. 

    Follow a compass bearing of 52 degrees for about 800 yards and you will reach the intersection of Hamburg - Purdy Road with Eastern Corinth Road and Eastern Corinth Road. Go down Eastern Corinth Road until you come to the first of four red plaques on your right. This first plaque (near Putman's Stump) is for Stephen's Brigade.  

    HOW MANY UNSUCCESSFUL CHARGES DID THIS BRIGADE MAKE HERE?

  • Question 21:

    The next plaque is for Anderson's Brigade.  

    AFTER ASSISTING IN THE CAPTURE OF UNION PRISONERS WHEN PRENTISS  SURRENDERED, TO WHERE DID THESE CONFEDERATE TROOPS ADVANCE?

  • Question 22:

    The third plaque is for Gibson's Brigade.  

    HOW MANY UNSUCCESSFUL CHARGES DID THIS BRIGADE MAKE THAT EVENTFUL SUNDAY AFTERNOON?

  • Question 23:

    The next plaque tells about two Arkansas and Tennessee units.  

    WHEN WERE THEY ENGAGED HERE?

  • Question 24:

    As you reach the Arkansas Monument stop to read about Arkansas Infantry units at Shiloh. The 13th Arkansas Infantry was assigned to Polk's Corps.  WHO COMMANDED THIS BRIGADE?

  • Question 25:

     Continue down Eastern Corinth Road to Corinth - Pittsburg Landing Road. On the southeast corner of this intersection there is a red plaque telling about the Louisiana Crescent Regiment assisting in the capture of Union prisoners.  

    WHAT UNION UNIT DID THEY CAPTURE?

  • Question 26:

    Turn right and hike northeastwards along the road to reach the UDC Monument. Read the plaque on the backside of this impressive monument.  

    HOW MANY ORGANIZATIONS OF CAVALRY DID THE SOUTH HAVE IN THE BATTLE OF SHILOH?

  • Question 27:

    USE YOUR COMPASS HERE  

    to hike cross-country from the UDC Monument to the Alabama Monument on a bearing of the 98 degrees for about 800 feet. On the south side of the Alabama Monument is information about Alabama Cavalry at Shiloh.  

    WHO WAS THE COLONEL IN COMMAND OF THE FIRST REGIMENT?

  • Question 28:

    Continue the hike by going east on Riverside Drive until you reach the Indian Mounds. (Remember no rock throwing). Follow the footpath leading west to the large mound with the burial plaque on top. From this mound hike north to locate a read plaque, which marks the farthest advance of Confederate Artillery at Shiloh. This was probably the closest any Confederate Battery got to Pittsburg Landing. This battery went into action here about 6 p.m. on April 6 but was soon disabled by gunboat fire and was forced to retire from the field. 

    WHO COMMANDED THIS BATTERY AND WHAT STATE WERE THEY FROM?

At this point you have a choice of two routes to reach the next objective.

USE YOUR COMPASS:

First choice: Go 357 degrees down the hill, cross Dill Creek, go up the hill on; the opposite side (still on 358 degrees) to locate the red rectangular plaque for Chalmers' Brigade (#30 on your map).

DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS ROUTE ACROSS DILL CREEK IF THE WATER IS UP.

After finding #30 plaque, follow "back azimuths" of the directions given below in Second choice and in question #30.

  • Question 29:

     Second Choice: A longer route: After viewing the Confederate Artillery plaque #28 return to Riverside Drive and continue hiking along the road until you pass the main entrance to the National Cemetery. Locate yellow rectangular plaques across the road from the Visitors' Center. Hike 192 degrees for approximately 155 feet to Stone's Missouri Battery plaque (blue rectangular). Then 225 degrees for about 200 feet; then 208 degrees for about 185 feet; then 180 degrees for about 145 feet to find Stone's Battery camp plaque. 

    (HINT- the about compass route follows very closely the cleared service road to this area).  WHAT POSITION (WHERE) DID STONE'S BATTERY SEE ACTION IN THE HORNETS' NEST?

  • Question 30:

    From Stone's Battery Comp plaque 

    USE YOUR COMPASS:  

    Hike 250 degrees for about 300 feet to locate a yellow oval plaque for Bruce's Brigade (part of Buell's Army of the Ohio). From Bruce's plaque hike 135 degrees for about 500 feet to locate another yellow oval plaque, for Ammen's Brigade. From Ammen's plaque hike about 180 degrees for about 200 feet to locate a red rectangular plaque. This is the Chalmers' Brigade plaque that marks the closest approach to Pittsburg Landing by the Confederate Army. Here the South's farthest advance was stopped by artillery from Grant's last line.  

    WHAT TWO STATES HAD UNITS IN CHALMERS' BRIGADE HERE?

     

Now go the Park Visitors' Center. If you have not turned in your 300-word book report on Shelby Foote's interesting historical novel, do so promptly.

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