News Release

Cannon Firing Demonstrations Return to Shiloh Battlefield

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Living Historians Fire a Cannon

NPS Photo/Mekow

News Release Date: May 23, 2021
Contact: Chris Mekow, 731-689-5696

“The sound of cannon fire will again rumble across Shiloh battlefield throughout the weekend of May 29 and 30,” announced Superintendent Allen Etheridge. On Saturday and Sunday, park volunteers dressed in period uniforms will present cannon firing demonstrations in the open area south of the park’s visitor center in honor of Memorial Day weekend.

The Shiloh Cannon Crew will be firing a reproduction 6-pounder Field Piece and introducing visitors to the proper drill, ammunition, and equipment used by Civil War artillerists.

“These period correct firing demonstrations allow the public an opportunity to use their imaginations and visualize the immense destruction a cannon could deliver,” said Etheridge. Of the 246 cannon in the Battle of Shiloh, 96 of them were 6-pounders, making them the most common big gun on the battlefield.      

On Saturday there will be five demonstrations at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm. On Sunday, there will be four demonstrations at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm. Each demonstration will last approximately 20-minutes and include two cannon firings.

All demonstrations are free and open to the public. There is no mask mandate for vaccinated visitors in open spaces. For more information call the Shiloh visitor center at 731-689-5696 and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ShilohNMP, or follow Shiloh on Twitter @ShilohNPS.  Rain or lightning will cancel cannon firing demonstrations.

Tags: civil war, cannon, demonstrations, living history, military, memorial day, artillery

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