Last updated: August 25, 2025
Place
Shiloh Auto Tour Introduction - Grant's Last Line, Stop #1
Public Domain
Quick Facts
Location:
Shiloh Battlefield
Significance:
Battle of Shiloh
Designation:
Historic site
Amenities
6 listed
Accessible Sites, Audio Description, Information, Information - Maps Available, Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed
The siege guns in front of you mark the position of Captain Relly Madison's Battery B, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery. They served as the anchor point for Grant's Last Line of defense. Grant's Chief of Staff, Col. Joseph Dana Webster, was tasked to form this successful last defensive postion near the end of fighting on April 6. From here, the Federals launched a counterattack on April 7.
Madison's Battery consisted of five M1819 24-pounder Iron Siege Guns, and one 8-inch Siege Howitzer (64-pounder) used on the second day of fighting. In all, Grant and Webster assembled 50 cannon and nearly 20,000 infantry on this Last Line of defense before General Buell started offloading his army from transports on the evening of April 6.
Madison's Battery consisted of five M1819 24-pounder Iron Siege Guns, and one 8-inch Siege Howitzer (64-pounder) used on the second day of fighting. In all, Grant and Webster assembled 50 cannon and nearly 20,000 infantry on this Last Line of defense before General Buell started offloading his army from transports on the evening of April 6.