Category Archives: History

150th Anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh

The main point of the trip to Tennessee was to attend the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh. A good friend of mine from home, aka Vermont, was taking part of the reenactment and I was hoping to see him. I’ve never been to a reenactment before and to be honest I had no idea how it all worked or what to really expect. What I did picture in my mind reminisced more or less what I’d seen in the movies. What I ended up seeing was something extraordinary and an event that everyone should attend at least once in their life.

First, let me give you some history on this significant battle. The Battle of Shiloh originally occurred April 6-7th, 1862. Over these two days, more then 20,000 lives were lost on these fields (about 13,000 Union, 10,000 Confederates). The pond nearby was said to be red from the loss of lives, piles of amputated limbs could be found outside a cabin window where they had been thrown.

The Union first took over Fort Henry and Donaldson and then headed Southward aiming to take over the railroad in Corinth, Mississippi which was a huge junction. The Confederate troops were well aware of the Union’s plan and instead of waiting for them in Corinth, they decided to move North towards Tennessee.

The Union army was led by General U.S. Grant. His troops were led by General W.T. Sherman (it’s good to note some historians believe he was a bit on the crazy side). Sherman was transporting troops down the Tennessee River to Mississippi where he first wanted to let the troops off but the water ended up being too high and the next suitable place they found was Pittsburg Landing. More than 40,000 troops were being moved ashore but what they didn’t know was that General Johnston Confederate troops were moving right for them, some 35,000 of them. On the night of April 5th, both sides were within “shouting distance” of each other.

The next morning (April 6th) General Grant took his first sip of coffee to the sound of a cannon. The Confederate’s raided the Union camp killing many who were still undressed and having breakfast. While the Union soldiers were reaching for muskets, the Confederates were letting their cannons do the work. The Union had 35,000 reserves coming and the Confederates wanted to take care of business before they arrived. Lucky for the Union, it began to rain and slowed down the Confederates. They were going to attack a day late.

The fight ran out for two days. With the help of the 35,000 reserves the Union had clutched the victory although it wouldn’t be known until much later in the year. April 6th brought a wash of wounded and dead soldiers. Sometimes four to five deep in line. On the morning of April 7th, the Union Army came in strong, due to the reserves. For seven hours the battle reigned. The Confederates withdrew towards Corinth. The Union was too exhausted to follow. Both sides would not admit defeat – they both claimed victory. Mistakes had been made for both sides but with the supplies and available troops, the Union held the upper hand.

Interesting, eh?

Driving up to the battle scene was interesting to say the least. Keep in mind, I’m saying this as I am a Yankee. When you see Confederate flags flying on the side of a two lane country road in the South, I’m still not entirely use to it.

Now the reenactment did not have nearly as many troops as there were on the day of the actual battle. I can’t imagine what that sight would’ve been like. It was amazing enough to see thereenactors on the battle field and I’m not even sure if there were more than 5,000. For the most part, I’m just going to let the photos tell of my experience at the reenactment but I will just fill you in ona couple things. The viewing area was on the Confederate side so many of the pictures you see are of – the Confederates. There were two things that amazed me the most. We were sitting behind the Confederate cannons. Way off in the distance you could see a line of trees. For a while, this is all you could see then it was like in a blink of an eye, the line of trees turned into a line of dark blue wool jackets with hundreds of soldiers in formation. (Picture above.) It was amazing. The second, the cannons. When the cannons start to go off, its like the grand finale when you see fireworks. I really don’t know how else to describe it. The cannons are lined up and they are let off one after the other. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! You see a spark, smoke and the cannon jerk back. They are so loud that it not only shakes your body but the earth. Absolutely amazing. I told Sy that if I ever come across one when I have a house, it’s going in my front yard. Yes, ya’ll can come over and we’ll set it off!

After the battle, we were trying to find my friend who partook, to no avail. We did however meet a bunch of reenactors who were all extremely nice, helpful and humble. The reenactors had set up camp in the woods and fields nearby, we perused. The reenactors are the ones who the props all need to go to. They are incredible and completely blew us away with their kindness and genuine commitment to the reenactment. They had traveled from all over the country. They don’t get paid for this, it is something they love and an even that they take pleasure in keeping alive. Something that surprised us is that even after the battle ended, they were still acting as if they are really the soldiers in battle. Referring to the Captain with the upmost respect. It’s really nice to see.

In addition to the main battlefield, the troops camps there were also vendors available. Although, we didn’t hang out and look thru too much we did stop by a tent with rootbeer and lemonade. This is an event where everyone goes as authentic as possible and it really makes for the experience in the end.

For $15 a ticket, it was well worth the event. HIGHLY recommended. When we were traveling to and from the battle field area, it seemed like there were historical signs every half mile for an event that occurred. This area is so saturated with history that, well, I can’t help but be mesmorized by it all. It’s not only beautiful countryside but it just makes me want to learn all the history behind it all. If those trees could talk I tell ya!

Hints: Arrive early, plenty early. You want a good seat for a good view. Bring binoculars or have a great zoom on your camera. Be ready to take it all in.

Historical Information comes from the 150th Anniversary Reenactment Battle of Shiloh book that was purchased at the reenactment.

The Peabody, Memphis – March 2012

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Prior to this past weekend, I had only been to Memphis once and that was my pit stop at Graceland. I have a good friend from home who has taken part in reenactments all of his life and he was taking part in the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee. It’s a great excuse to see a friend and take a little weekend getaway trip. What’s a couple hundred miles, right? That’s right, I’m a great friend. So last Friday, Sy and I rented a car and began our trip. We drove a few hours and decided to stop and stay in Little Rock (home of the Clinton’s), wake up early and take off for Memphis (where we’d be staying Saturday night) and then travel to the battle site which was about two hours east.

We had decided since we don’t really treat ourselves to relaxing trips all that often that this was going to be it – even if it just happened to be on a weekend. With that being said, we were staying at The Peabody in Memphis. With our helpful AAA discount, the rate of the room was just a little more than the surrounding hotels but what the heck. It’s our getaway but in the end, it was the best decision and completely worth it.

The Peabody is a hotel that sits about two blocks from Beale Street and has been around for over 100 years. Besides having Presidents, celebrities and quite frankly people who are a big deal stay here (I mean, we were staying here which was the biggest deal yet), they are famous for their ducks. Yes – I said ducks. Quack Quack. The story goes something like this, the original owner went on a hunting trip to Arkansas and when he and his friends returned (and after a few too many Jack Daniels) they had decided to put ducks in the fountain of the hotel (since they couldn’t use decoy ducks). Now, it has become a tradition and the ducks live in their mansion on the roof of the hotel and are brought down the elevator daily at 11am and 5pm. The red carpet is rolled out and they run to the fountain in the middle of the hotel lobby. No – I am not even kidding.

It draws a lot of attention. Much more attention than I thought it would. It’s seriously a big deal.

This is the Duck Master presenting the young lady next to him a certificate for being Honorary Duck Master for the day!

The Peabody is gorgeous. I fell in love. Our room was cute. I especially loved the doors to the rooms. I know, kind of odd. The room was a little small but I mean how much room does one really need? The bed, so comfortable and I really didn’t get to sleep enough since Sy wanted to wake up early and get a head start on our long trip back to Texas. They do leave two rubber ducks on the desk (which you can purchase for $8). No thanks. The atmosphere and architecture within the hotel is where it’s at.

Seriously, the one of the most comfortable beds!

The lobby. It’s like the kitchen of any home, right – where everyone gathers. Check it out – it’s beautiful.

The lobby also holds the “hotel bar”. There are tables and big comfy chairs where you can hang out and relax and listen to the pianist play the piano (I later learned the piano also plays itself, unless it was a ghost…). In the morning there is tea and coffee available. In the evening they set out an arrangement of desserts which you can purchase for $6.50. We ended up ordering dessert in the lobby Saturday night after dinner. Tiramisu was what we wanted and it was delicious!

Obviously, it was shaped as a little tea cup with a chocolate stick on top. The tea cup was completely made of chocolate. The filling was a soft cream with the wafers in the middle. Yum!

The mezzanine. Here we found a piano which was custom made for Francis Scott Key who wrote the Star Spangle Banner. This level also leads to the ballrooms which we looked inside (cleaning up from a wedding I presumed) and it was magnificent. The ceilings and stage inside. Now I wish I got a picture, I guess you’ll just have to reference the website.

The staff were gracious and extremely nice. Honestly, it was one of the best hotel experiences I’ve ever had. It’s too bad I can’t really afford to stay more than one night. It’s no wonder The Peabody is known to be one of the prime hotels of the South. If you don’t believe me, stay there and find out for yourself!

Graceland!

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When I decided to move, I had one request for my 2,000 mile road trip. I had to stop at Graceland. Must. Necessity. Must go to Graceland. Period. So… I went to Graceland.

I had never been to Memphis, heck I didn’t even know what else was there but I was going to find out and find out I did. Graceland itself is so much bigger than I had imagined. The house itself wasn’t as big as the mansions that celebrities are living in nowadays but the property itself was very large. The history and memorabilia is extensive. We flew thru it and were there for three hours. Elvis, you were a popular man!

A little bit of history on the King: Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935 which is not that far from Memphis. Music is huge in Memphis and it is not surprise that his influences came from country, gospel and blues which you can take in at the the same place he did in Memphis, Beale Street. In 1954, his first recording took place at Sun Studios, not far from Beale Street and within two years he was known internationally. And as they say, the rest is history.

I took many, many, many photo’s when I took the tour. Some are dark due to the lighting and my camera at the time but I’ll share some of my favorites.

Graceland.

Yes, you need to take the shuttle up to the front of the home.

For the tour they give you a very fashionable headset. Each room has a number which you enter in so you can go at your own pace.

Can’t you just see him sitting at the piano, singing and playing a tune.

This picture is really bad quality but I wanted to include it. I was surprised at how small the kitchen was. It wasn’t anything that I would’ve imagined.

The Jungle Room.

Appropriately named.

Look at the arms of the chair!

This room actually creeped me out a bit. I think its just because of the alien monkey sitting on the table.

This room (below) was actually covered in fabric. You can see the walls and the ceiling.

I would hate the dust that would collect. Good thing he could afford someone to clean the home for him!

The backyard swing set for his daughter and horse area. You wouldn’t think the back yard was this big from the front.

In addition to the main house, there are a few other buildings on the property. One was the racket ball / court area which is now housed with memorabilia. Another which was considered his office and I believe one more as well. Forgive me, it’s been a couple years.

One of my favorite things to check out were his outfits. LOVE THEM!

His wedding tux and Priscilla’s wedding dress were also on display.

It also goes to show you he wasn’t a very big man.

Seriously, you know you wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to put one these on and swing your hips a little bit! Don’t deny it – I know!

Just a tiny, minute portion of all of his awards and memorabilia.

I believe this was in one of his offices.

The backyard.

The backyard holds the very nice pool.

It also holds something else that I had no idea of at the time.

Elvis is buried here with his parents, grandmother and twin brother.

Once you are done touring the side of the street the home is on, you are still not done.

Yes, I’m serious.

Back on the other side of the street (the side where you buy tickets) there is a car exhibit where you can find his extensive collection including the famous pink Cadillac. It’s actually pretty interesting to walk through. There are plaques and information available telling the story of why the vehicles are important.

One more thing that you might not have thought of originally. You can also tour his planes. Go in, walk around. Check them out and all their retro decor.

Graceland holds an abundance of information, souvenirs, memorabilia all commemorating the life of Elvis. Even thought we went during the week, there was still one heck of a line to check the place out. Tickets are a little expensive but I considered this something that I would do once so I found it worth it. If you do plan on visiting, be sure to give yourself plenty of time. I didn’t realize how many buildings and items were on display to check out. We did a very fast forward version of the tour since we didn’t have a ton of time and had to get back on the road. You could definitely plan on spending your entire day here just taking your time and checking out the entire area. Whether or not you are a huge Elvis fan, I would say it’s worth stopping to check out. It’s a part of American history folks!