News Release

Confederate Artillery Returns to Shiloh

Living Historians Fire a Cannon

NPS Photo/Mekow

News Release Date: July 20, 2026

Contact: Chris Mekow, 731.689.5696

SHILOH, Tenn. — On Aug. 1, Shiloh National Military Park will offer cannon firing demonstrations. The park will showcase two historic artillery pieces to re-create a section of a Confederate artillery battery and the roar of the Civil War will once again echo across the battlefield.

“These special programs offer visitors the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of Civil War field artillery while learning about the vital role that artillery played during the Battle of Shiloh and throughout the Civil War,” said Acting Superintendent Randy Martin.

The park will present demonstrations at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. across the street from the park's visitor center. Each 20-minute program will explore the organization of Civil War field artillery, the duties of the cannoneers, the different types of ammunition and the procedures followed to safely load and fire the guns.

During the Civil War, army regulations called for six cannons per Union battery and four cannons per Confederate battery. Two cannons would make up a ‘section’ of those batteries under the command of a lieutenant.

The artillery section for the Aug. 1 demonstrations will consist of a 10-pounder Parrott Rifle and a 6-pounder Field Gun. Armies used both types of cannons extensively during the Battle of Shiloh, including the four Parrott Rifles of Stone's Battery, which occupied the area where these demonstrations will take place. During each demonstration, living historians will fire both cannons twice.

All programs are free and open to the public.

For more information about this and other park events, call the Shiloh National Military Park Visitor Center at 731-689-5696, visit the park's website or follow the park on Facebook and X.