Shiloh National Military Park Commemorates the 164th Anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh
Shiloh National Military Park invites the public to commemorate the 164th anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh. The park will offer guided hikes and caravan tours from April 6 to 8, 2026, and living history demonstrations and a hike on April 11.
“2026 marks the 164th anniversary of the Civil War battles preserved at Shiloh National Military Park,” said Randy Martin, acting superintendent of Shiloh National Military Park. “We invite the public to visit the park to reflect on the battle fought here and remember the service of the American soldiers who engaged here in 1862.”
This anniversary coincides with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The semiquincentennial marks a significant moment in the nation’s history and provides an important opportunity for reflection at Shiloh. Many of the issues that culminated in the Civil War were rooted in the nation’s founding nearly 80 years earlier. The principles, conflicts and unresolved questions of the Revolutionary era continued to shape the lives and experiences of those who fought in the Union and Confederate armies.
Hikes and Caravan Tours — April 6 to 8
Park rangers will lead hikes and all-access car caravan tours from April 6 to 8. The hiking tours are limited to 45 participants each, and the auto tours limited to 10 vehicles each. The park asks that interested individuals pre-register for hikes and tours by calling the Shiloh visitor center at 731-689-5696. A complete schedule is posted on the park website at www.nps.gov/shil.
Registered participants should:
- meet the guides at the appointed sites and times
- wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather and terrain
- bring snacks, water, insect repellent and sunscreen
Living History Program and Battlefield Hike — April 11
On April 11, the park will commemorate the 164th anniversary with a living history program featuring a military encampment, company-level drill and firing demonstrations, and a guided, real-time battlefield hike led by living historians.
Living historians will portray Statham’s Brigade of Confederate infantry, part of Breckinridge’s Reserve Division, which served on the often-overlooked right flank of the Confederate Army. Visitors will follow a detailed color company representing either the 15th Mississippi Infantry or the 20th Tennessee Infantry along portions of the same routes those units traversed during the battle. Along the way, living historians will demonstrate company movements and provide first-hand accounts of the terrain and combat actions at key locations.
The guided hike will begin at 9 a.m. in Spain Field, located behind the Gladden Mortuary Monument. Visitor parking will be available in Barnes Field, across from Prentiss’ Headquarters. Signs will be posted, and park staff will be on duty to assist with parking and directions.
The hike will last approximately three hours and cover about 2.5 miles over uneven terrain. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring drinking water, insect repellent and sunscreen. Visitors interested in participating in the guided hike are asked to pre-register by calling the Shiloh visitor center at 731-689-5696.
Following the hike, there will be drill, marching and firing demonstrations in the living history camp located in the Peach Orchard area (Tour Stop #18). Thirty-minute demonstrations will be offered at 2 and 3 p.m. Visitor parking will be marked in the field across from the Peach Orchard. Registration is not required for the afternoon demonstrations.
Admission to the park and participation in all anniversary events are free. For more information about this and other events at the Shiloh and Corinth battlefields, please call the visitor center at 731-689-5696, visit www.nps.gov/shil, follow the park on Facebook at facebook.com/ShilohNMP or on Twitter @ShilohNPS.
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