
Dreamstate of Sunken Road

by American Landscapes
Title
Dreamstate of Sunken Road
Artist
American Landscapes
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The Sunken Road has become a major emphasis, along with the Hornet's Nest, of the fighting at Shiloh and visitors of the battlefield want to see both locations more than any other location at the park. However, the entire story is predicated on the myth of the road being worn below the surrounding terrain, providing a natural defensive trench for Union troops. It was, in all likelihood, not sunken at all since the road was a mere farm road used by Joseph Duncan to get to various points on his property and not a major avenue of travel. As it had limited use, the road would not have been worn down as many people believe. At most, it might have had ruts several inches deep at various times during wet seasons. Post-battle photos of the road show a mere path, not a sunken trace.
Despite the unwarranted lore, the tree line and fence did provide the Union troops of the 7th and 2nd Iowa excellent concealment and cover from which to lay down withering rifle volleys as the Confederates approached the position several times through the open field in front of it. The two Iowa regiments only retreated from the position when ordered to do so as the entire Union line was falling back to re-establish a new defensive line.
Uploaded
December 30th, 2021
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