View single post by ole
 Posted: Thu Apr 24th, 2008 01:35 am
PM Quote Reply Full Topic
ole
Member


Joined: Sun Oct 22nd, 2006
Location:  
Posts: 2027
Status: 
Offline
Mana: 
 If he died at Shiloh (and not somewhere else, as Bama has mentioned), he is in an unmarked grave. There's a good chance he's in one of the trenches.

The good people of Tennessee see that the trenches are lined with fresh flags several times per year. I can't imagine that the park would object to your placing one near each of the known trenches. That's most likely where your ancestor lies.

When the battle was over, Grant ordered that all the bodies be buried where found. (This being the army, there wasn't a single grave for each.) There are markers on the field that show where Federal troops were buried and later disinterred to lie under a number at the cemetery. The Confederates were not moved, and still lie in trenches.

Each known trench is clearly marked on your Trailhead Map. Each is accessible by foot. Each will break your heart. At least, almost all of the Federals have a number.

ole