Artillery Demonstrations this Weekend at Shiloh

Date: September 21, 2011
Contact: Chris Mekow, 731-689-5696

Artillery Living History Event Planned for Shiloh Battlefield

"Shiloh National Military Park will host a living history weekend and artillery firing demonstrations on September 24-25, 2011," announced superintendent Woody Harrell. The scheduled living history programs, focusing on artillery units at the battle of Shiloh, will be presented by Fowler's Battery across from the park's Visitor Center.

Fowler's Battery will be portraying the 1st Ohio Light Artillery, which was recruited in Cleveland and Painesville, Ohio, and mustered into Federal service on December 17, 1861. During the battle of Shiloh, the battery was attached to Crittenden's 5th Division, Army of the Ohio. Commanded by Captain Joseph Bartlett, the unit consisted of four 6-pounder guns and two 12-pounder Wiard rifled cannon. They were heavily engaged on the second day and expended 600 rounds of ammunition in six hours of fighting.

The cannon firing demonstrations will take place at 11:30 am, 1:00, 2:30 and 4:00 pm, on Saturday, and 11:30 am, 1:00 and 2:30 pm on Sunday. Each program will last about 30 minutes with the guns being fired twice during the presentation. These demonstrations will interpret the weapons, projectiles, and procedures Civil War artillery crews used during the war. A period camp will also be set up for the public to visit.

The museum and bookstore at Shiloh Battlefield will be open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm each day. Entrance fees will not be charged on Saturday during National Public Land Day. On Sunday, regular entrance fees of $3 per person or $5 per family will be charged. For any questions please contact the Shiloh Visitor Center at 731-689-5696 or visit www.nps.gov/shil.