Natchez Trace Day 2 + Shiloh Battlefield

October 26
We left Davy Crockett, got some gasoline and coffee to quench our thirsty beasts and headed back to the Trace Parkway.

We backtracked a lot not wanting to miss parts of the Trace. That being said, we could have skipped parts of it. The speed limit was 50, I drove 56 with no issues. Most if it looks like this

 It is a pretty drive but rather boring in many sections. I wouldn't rank it in the top five best roads. I might be in the bottom twenty for scenery.

 We left the Trace and went over to Shiloh National Military Park to see where Grant set up camp along the Mississippi. They ferried 144 steam ship loads of troops to the landing here at Shiloh staging for a move to Corinth where major Confederate railroads crossed. If they could take Corinth and sever the rail traffic it would cripple the South. 
General Albert Sydney Johnston lead Confederate troops in a sneak attack against Grant who had been ordered not to engage in any battles until he linked up with other Union troops coming down the river. On April 6-7, 1862, 44,000 Confederate troops clashed with 65,000 Union soldiers. The battle resulted in 24,000 troops killed, wounded or missing and the retreat of the Confederates. It also started a six month long battle for Corinth Crossroads.

 Every militia unit had a monument erected to it. There were five markers for Ohio units. Iowa had a very large marker.

 The Visitor's Center. They had a terrific 45 minute movie that expertly explained the battle, troop positioning and struggles of the men.

 The park had a twenty mile driving loop viewing various battle positions. We chose not to go because we had the trailer. There were many markers signifying unit placement, engagements and movements.

 After lunch, we headed back to the Trace and turned south again. We crossed the Tennessee River.

Considering Jackson moved his up and down the Trace at least twice, Colbert was probably tired of moving them. It would take several days to ferry the troops across the river.

 

We ended the day at Tishamingo State Park. It was an interesting place. The handicap accessible sites were right beside the bathroom which was very nicely done. The sites however were not so nice. The pad was flat but the drive bent down at a steep angle. I run into the problem of the site not being long enough for the truck and trailer. I need extra room in the back so I can drop the ramp and get in and out. I can unhook the truck but I hate doing that when we're just spending the night. We chose to find a different site. This was more accessible for us.

Most of the sites were like this, a nice pad with drop offs on each side.