Event
164th Battle Anniversary Hikes
Fee:
Free. FREE!Dates & Times
Date:
Time:
Duration:
Type of Event
Description
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
The Shield of the South: Breckinridge’s Rear Guard and the Fight at Fallen Timbers Car Caravan
8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Parking: Meet at the Visitor Center Distance: 8 Miles Driving and Some Walking
Terrain: Moderately Easy
As the smoke of two days of unprecedented slaughter began to settle, the Confederate dream of a decisive victory at Shiloh had vanished. By the afternoon of April 7, General P.G.T. Beauregard faced a desperate reality: he had to extract a shattered, exhausted army before it was annihilated. The only thing standing between the retreating Confederates and total disaster was a thin line of weary soldiers tasked with the most dangerous job on the battlefield—the rearguard. Join Matt McMillen for a deep dive into the harrowing final hours of the Battle of Shiloh. We will retrace the footsteps of General John C. Breckinridge’s "Reserve Corps" as they stood their ground against a surging Union pursuit. Discover the strategic maneuvers that saved the Army of the Mississippi from a chaotic rout and explore the climactic clash at Fallen Timbers, where a daring cavalry charge led by Nathan Bedford Forrest provided the final, bloody punctuation to the battle. Experience the stories of sacrifice, the weight of command decisions made under fire, and the tactical brilliance that allowed a defeated army to live to fight another day.
*Sunscreen, water, and insect repellent are recommended. Severe weather will cancel programs.
*Space is limited to 45 participants per hike.
Reservation or Registration: Yes
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