Rhea Field at Shiloh National Military Park
SHILOH BATTLEFIELD TOUR STOP #6
It is from Rhea Field (also spelled Rea) that the Confederates mounted their attack on the Union troops located at Shiloh Church. The Union soldiers were in a good defensive position, and even though the Confederates were able to drive them all the way back to near the present day Pittsburg Landing Road after the first day of fighting, the Rebels took heavy losses, including a 70 percent casualty rate by the 6th Mississippi Infantry.
Though you won’t find much information here, you will find two Confederate mass graves, one on either side of the road. On the parking lot side you will see Rhea Spring, a small creek at the bottom of the hill. From the parking lot, walk down to the creek along a dirt pathway and follow the sign that reads, “Confederate Burials .2 Mi.”
Follow the dirt path to Rhea Spring at the bottom of the hill
Cross the creek using the footbridge and then make your way uphill across a field that is walled in by forest on three sides. An Illinois monument is located at the top of the hill.
Two cannon and an Illinois monument are at the far north end of Rhea Field
Behind the monument is a trail that leads through the woods to the mass grave. The Union, being the victor, had to bury the dead, and they just dumped all of the Confederates into mass graves. Five of these graves have been located. Many others are reported in historical records, but their locations have been lost to time. There is no indication as to how many men are buried at the site, who they are, or what units they belonged to. The markers and cannon balls outlining the site were not placed at the time of burial, but were added in 1935. Allow about 15 minutes to walk to and from the grave site, plus whatever time you spend there.
Trail behind the Illinois monument leads to the Confederate grave site at Rhea Field
Confederate mass grave at Rhea Field, Shiloh National Military Park
The south end of Rhea Field is located on the other side of the road. Along with two cannon exhibits is another sign pointing to a Confederate mass grave, this one .1 mile away. The grave is identical to the one on the Rhea Springs-side of the street. Allow about five minutes to walk to and from the grave site, plus whatever time you spend there.
Confederate grave site on Rhea Field, Shiloh National Military Park
Next Tour Stop | Previous Tour Stop | Main Battlefield Tour Page
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on February 3, 2022
