Union view of the Peach Orchard, Shiloh National Military Park

SHILOH BATTLEFIELD TOUR STOP #18

By the early afternoon of April 6th, the battle lines at Shiloh stretched for nearly three miles, from Owl Creek in the west to Lick Creek in the east. The Union had continuously been driven back after forming defensive lines in an attempt to halt the Confederate advance. Two thirds of the Confederate troops were now fighting near Shiloh Church on the west side of the line, while on the east side near Sarah Bell’s Peach Orchard, Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston was attempting to drive Union soldiers away from the Tennessee River (Johnston would be killed near the Peach Orchard around 2:45 PM that day).

Peach Orchard battle map, April 6, 1862

Lined up across the Hamburg-Savannah Road, the Union soldiers were in a very good defensive position. Fighting in the area went on from 10 AM until around 3 PM, with ground being taken by Johnston’s men and then given back when confronted with heavy Union artillery fire. Eventually the Confederates were able to advance to the Peach Orchard and drive the Union troops back towards Pittsburg Landing, not away from it as Johnston had hoped.

Today, monuments and cannon exhibits stretching across the Peach Orchard mark the Union line. While there is a fence around the area, if you want to get a closer look at the cannon or monuments, you are free to walk anywhere on the battlefield.

Union cannon mark the defensive line at the Peach Orchard, Shiloh National Military Park

The cabin located at the Peach Orchard belonged to Manse George (the location is actually off of Sarah Bell’s property). The original cabin was destroyed in the battle. The one currently standing was acquired by George after the battle and moved to this location. You can walk down to the cabin, but it is not open.

George Manse cabin at the Peach Orchard, Shiloh National Military Park

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