Tours

There is no better way to study “Bloody Shiloh,” the first great battle of the Civil War, fought on the banks of the Tennessee River on April 6 and 7, 1862. Tour Shiloh National Military Park and nearby Civil War sites with a knowledgeable, experienced, professional guide. Ken Hansgen will lead you on a tour you won't forget.

Tours from Savannah, Tennessee, can include:

• The Cherry Mansion – Headquarters of General U.S. Grant, and place where 2 Union generals died.
• Crump's Landing – Headquarters of General Lew Wallace's division.
• Shiloh National Military Park – The Visitors Center, bookstore, Pittsburg Landing, Shiloh log church replica, the Hornets' Nest, Bloody Pond, and much more.
• Many off-the-park sites – Locations of Confederate formations at the battle's start, C.S.A. General Johnston's and Beauregard's campsites, location of the Fallen Timbers rearguard action by N.B. Forrest's cavalry.

Ken can also guide Civil War tours to nearby Corinth, Mississippi, and trace the Confederate routes between Corinth and Shiloh.

Rates:
Ken charges $35/hour for the first two persons, plus $5/hour for each additional adult (18 and over), with a maximum charge of $60/hour for groups totaling 7 or more adults (up to one bus load).

Duration:
Most tours take about 3 to 4 hours, but they can be as long and detailed as desired. The minimum time for a tour is 2 hours.

Deposit:
To confirm your reservation, Ken asks for a deposit in the amount of his minimum 2-hour charge (check or money order payable to Ken Hansgen) mailed to 200 Church St. Savannah, TN 38372. There is a 10-day cancellation policy on deposits.

Other Charges: In addition, Shiloh National Military Park charges entrance fees at the park Visitors Center. Fees start at $3 for a single or $5 per family. Higher fees are charged for commercial groups. Entrance fees are good for 7 days. Visit the park website at www.nps.gov/shil/ and click on Fees & Reservations for more information.

Park Orientation Film:
Because it is impossible to keep everything in chronological order during a tour of any reasonable length, unless you are already thoroughly familiar with this battle, Ken highly recommends that you see an orientation film before starting a tour. A 32-minute video is shown at the Park Visitors Center every 40 minutes between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, and an even newer and better 8-minute film is shown at the Civil War Interpretative Center in nearby Corinth, Mississippi.

Vehicles:
Ken is a step-on guide; tours use the client's vehicle. He is licensed and insured to drive vehicles up to large vans.

A walking tour from the park's Visitor Center can be arranged, but can not cover much ground. A vehicle is required for a more complete tour as the park alone covers about 6 square miles.

Reservations:
If you would like a tour, it would be helpful to reserve it in advance. Call (731) 925-6410, or click on Contact Us.