Location: Savannah
Top Things to do in Savannah
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Top 7 Things to do in Savannah, United States
Savannah in United States, from Nouth America region, is best know for National Parks. Discover best things to do in Savannah with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
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1. Shiloh National Military Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 640 reviews
Park honoring the Civil War battle at Shiloh and containing the cemetery where the fallen soldiers were buried.
Reviewed By ElaineAndGreg - Chesterland, Ohio
Even those without a strong interest in history of likely heard of Shiloh, and those studying the Civil War are likely familiar with it. For either group, visiting this site will give you keen insight into the events of 1862, the bravery of those who were there, and the progress of the battle itself.
Shiloh would likely be far more visited if it were in a more populous area, but that is also an asset as it is not crowded and is relatively unspoiled. Even if you are not all that interested in the battle, the scenery is quite nice.
We read up on the battle before coming here (specifically Winston Groom's Shiloh 1862, which reads easily and has helpful maps). Even if you don't, they have a very good film about the two-day battle here that will give you the background you need.
In a nutshell, from the north, General Ulysses S. Grant, early in his civil war career, stopped here to consolidate his army with that of Don Carlos Buell before moving on the confederate rail hub in Corinth Mississippi, just to the south. On the confederate side, General Albert Sidney Johnson was anxious to stop Grant and sought to attack him before the two union armies could unite.
The south under Jackson attacked Grant's army early in the morning of Sunday, April 6, 1862. During the course of the day, through fierce fighting and massive losses on both sides, the southerners pushed the union forces back to an area called Pittsburgh Landing on the Tennessee River. The next day they were surprised, however, when Grant counter-attacked with fresh troops and drove them back south beyond their initial positions.
The battle was significant for several reasons. Strategically, it enabled Grant's union army to move south, disrupting the south's rail and transport and ultimately leading to Vicksburg a year or so later, cutting the Confederacy in half.
The battle was incredibly bloody, with more losses those two days than the country had sustained in all prior wars combined. Sadly, it was only the first of many such days to come, and was a wake-up call to both sides the the Civil War would be extremely expensive in lives.
The battlefield is about five square miles, and because of the course of two days most of it was occupied by one army or the other at some point.
After seeing the video, there is a driving tour of 13 miles - you basically criss-cross the battlefield as you trace the events of the two days. There are markers all over the field for all three armies (the south, Grant's, and Buell's - which arrived for the second day).
We took the NPS map from the visitor's center and followed the driving tour. There are stops on average about every half mile with excellent maps and explanations. There is also an app with a tour - we'd recommend downloading it ahead of time for speed, but if I recall correctly there is wifi at the visitor center.
It took us about 3 hours to take the tour, which was easy, with many interesting stops. Again, we thought that the newer plaques at the designated stops were terrific. We had no trouble finding things. If you have any question about the direction of the battle, I'd recommend using the compass on your smart phone as things mostly ran between north and south (although early on, due to faulty intelligence, even the confederate leaders mistook how the union lines were situated).
Along the way there are some Indian mounds that are worth a stop and the short walk. There is a wooden staircase and platform on one (with a helpful map), but frankly it's in need of repair or replacement, so watch your step.
The park is very well preserved, so fields are basically where they were in 1862 and woods are also where they were. One thing I found amazing was how much of the battlefield was wooded, so that the two sides often could not see each other until one opened fire. In particular, you'll want to see the Hornet's Nest, where one union group held off the confederate troops for several hours of fierce fighting.
All in all, this is an important site that has been very well preserved and is extremely well presented. Give yourself some time and you will have a very enjoyable and informative trip.
2. Buford Pusser Home and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
The Buford Pusser Home and Museum stands as a moment in time, as if waiting for Sheriff Buford Pusser to return home from another shift serving the public. The modest brick ranch home contains the original furnishings, photos, cars, guns and memorabilia of the Pusser family. Buford Pusser was the subject of several major motion pictures. The "Walking Tall" movies tell about his life and tragic death.
Reviewed By MsSarah - Texas
With family in law enforcement, and having seen the Walking Tall movie in the 70’s, it was interesting to visit this museum. Nice little movie at the beginning which gives his history, if you’re not familiar with the story. His home is preserved with original furniture, photos and tons of memorabilia, including his cars. Our lovely guide was knowledgeable, and you have time to wander around and look at whatever most interests you. The little gift shop has all kinds of souvenirs.
3. Tennessee River Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By GreenUnicorn - Southern NJ
This museum would not be at the top of my list for starting off the day, but after visiting Shiloh, it definitely added to our overall understanding of the area with its wide array of exhibits including Civil War and pottery. Very friendly staff! We came on the 20th of the month, and we were the first people from New Jersey. They were checking off each state as visitors arrived.
4. Shiloh National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Cemetery honoring those who died in the Civil War battle between Union general Ulysses S. Grant and Confederate general A.S. Johnson.
Reviewed By judy177 - Cookeville, Tennessee
A place to reflect on the past and pay respect for those who lost their lives during this time. Regardless of your views and opinions on these type of sites, respect is deserved by all who battled. We all have some connection to this in some shape and way.
5. Cherry Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
Cherry Mansion is a historic antebellum house in Savannah, Tennessee, that is significant for its role as General Ulysses S. Grant's headquarters in 1862 during the Battle of Shiloh in the Civil War. Located at 265 Main Street, it was built in 1829 on a bluff overlooking the east bank of the Tennessee River, it is a white Georgian building with a two-level porch on its west front, which faces the Tennessee River. A series of terraces descends from the house to the river. Curiously, it sits atop the site of a palisaded prehistoric settlement established about 2,000 years ago that is marked by Indiana mounds that were largely obliterated by later construction. At the time of the Battle of Shiloh, the owner of the house, William H. Cherry, was a Union sympathizer. He offered his house to Grant, who used it as his headquarters from March 13 to April 29. According to Cherry family accounts, Grant and his staff were having breakfast on April 6, 1862, when they heard distant cannon fire indicating that the battle had begun about seven miles up the river. They immediately boarded a steamboat at the landing below the house to travel to the site of the battle, leaving their meals uneaten. Two Union generals, C.F. Smith and W.H.L. Wallace, died in the house in the aftermath of the battle. The Cherry family continued to own the house until 1935. Interestingly, Queen and Alex Haley, grandparents of writer Alex Haley of Roots fame, worked for the family at Cherry Mansion after the Civil War. The house remains in private ownership and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It is opened to visitors by advance arrangement. The house has 12-foot ceilings, eight fireplaces fitted with hand carved mantels of various designs and all the floors are of edge grain pine boards of varying widths. The original structure consisted of three rooms upstairs and three rooms downstairs in an L-shape. An addition in the 1840s was reminiscent of the Greek Revival style and added two additional rooms, one upstairs and one downstairs. A piano that one of William Cherry's sisters used to entertain General Grant and his staff still sits in the same corner of the downstairs room. A field hospital was set up in the yard of the Cherry Mansion and hospital boats were moored below the house. The Cherrys joined other families in Savannah in caring for the wounded from the battle, both Union and Confederate.
6. Horse Creek Wildlife Sanctuary and Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By TNDogLover - Savannah, Tennessee
Hardin County, TN is very fortunate to have this wonderful place with so many activities which provides such great services to not only our community and also to people from other areas. The website gives all of the details.
7. SpaLicious
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Accessories for you and your home. John Richard Furniture and accessories,Jewelry, gifts, sleepwear, bath & body.
Reviewed By dedot1015 - Sebastian, Florida
Spalicious has a beautiful selection of Kendra Scott jewelry. The ladies are so helpful with their suggestions. I have found it to be the perfect place to shop for birthday and Christmas gifts that please our teen granddaughter and our daughter-in-law.
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