Shiloh | Apr 6, 1862 | 5 pm to 7 pm

After the mortal wounding of Confederate Gen. Albert S. Johnston, command of the Southern army at Shiloh fell to Gen. Pierre G. T. Beauregard. While successful throughout much of April 6, the Confederate offensive was losing steam due to casualties, fatigue, Federal resistance, and the topography along the Tennessee River.  

While Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant rallied the bulk of his army near Pittsburg Landing, some 6,400 Federals of Gen. Benjamin Prentiss’ Sixth Division and Gen. William H. L. Wallace’s Second Division established a defensive line in heavy woods and along a road. Later dubbed the Hornets Nest, these Federals became the focal point of a Southern grand battery and repeated Confederate infantry assaults. Union artillery batteries bolstered the center of the position. After a seemingly relentless battle, Southern soldiers enveloped the Hornets Nest. Prentiss was captured and Wallace was mortally wounded. The Federal army near Pittsburgh Landing was in a precarious position, but the time purchased by Prentiss and Wallace allowed Grant to establish a strong defensive line bolstered by artillery and gun boats.