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U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Brentwood, testified on Feb. 11 before the House Natural Resources Committee in support of her legislation, the Shiloh National Military Park Boundary Adjustment Act.
Shiloh is considered one of the best-preserved battlefields in the United States, having been established in 1894. There are 4,200 acres preserved in Tennessee, and 21 nearby in Corinth, Mississippi.
The battle, relatively early in the Civil War in April, 1862, was shocking to both sides of the divided country: the 23,746 casualties were more than in all of America's previous wars combined.
Blackburn's legislation, introduced in January, 2015, would add 2,100 acres to the park, incorporating some of the pivotal areas of the Battle of Shiloh that lack adequate preservation; including the battlefields at Fallen Timbers, Russell House, and Davis Bridge. Much of the land is now owned by either the state of Tennessee or the Civil War Trust.
"There are a mix of parties that own the land," Blackburn spokeswoman Kate McBrayer said. "The National Park Service can acquire the land three ways - through willing sellers, donation, or trade. This makes it difficult to predict the exact cost, but the National Park Service expects most of the land to be donated and most of the costs will be administrative, such as title transfers, so it will be low."
Sen. Lamar Alexander this past August introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. Senate to expand the park. Senate Bill 1943 went through two readings and was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Blackburn's office supplied a transcript of her testimony:
"I am grateful for the opportunity to be before you today in support of my legislation - H.R. 87, the Shiloh National Military Park Boundary Adjustment and Parker's Crossroads Battlefield Designation Act.
"My legislation is a step toward better preserving the historical legacy of Tennessee and the United States as a whole.
"The Battle of Shiloh, fought on April 6th and 7th of 1862, was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War up to that point.
"At the end of two days of gruesome back and forth fighting on the fields of Shiloh, Tennessee - General Grant's Union Army was victorious and Confederate forces withdrew towards Corinth, Mississippi. The defeat had a cascading effect that eventually led to the fall of Vicksburg in July 1863, permanently dividing the Confederacy and crippling the southern war effort. 23,000 Americans gave their lives during the two days of intense fighting at Shiloh.
"The legislation you are considering today will ensure the legacy of the sacrifices made at Shiloh will be preserved for future generations to appreciate and experience.
"It will give the National Park Service the authority to preserve more than 2,100 additional acres of the historic Shiloh National Military Park at the Fallen Timbers, Russell House and Davis Bridge battlefields.
"It will also designate the Parker's Crossroads Battlefield as an affiliated area of the National Park System and allow it to receive resources and assistance so that it too can be preserved.
"Over 500,000 people visit Shiloh each year. Expanding the park to include these battlefields will create an even stronger incentive for people to visit the area and learn about Tennessee's rich history.
"I have heard from leaders in and around the Shiloh area about the importance of this legislation to their communities. They support this legislation, as I hope you will also.
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to convey their thoughts and sentiments to the committee today."
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