Julie A. Oaks
TDOT, Public Information Officer
 Office: 615.741.2331
Mobile: 615.533.7105
Fax: 615.741.9093

Bredesen Announces Grant for Preservation of Battle of Shiloh Battlefield

Nashville, Tenn. - Governor Phil Bredesen joined state and local leaders today to announce a transportation enhancement grant in the amount of $1,000,000 for Phase 1 of the Preservation and Interpretation of the Battle of Shiloh in Hardin and McNairy Counties.

The grant funds will be used to acquire additional areas of the battlefield at both Shiloh and Fallen Timbers.

“The Battle of Shiloh site is not just an important piece of Tennessee history, it is one of the most significant battlefields in the nation,” said Governor Bredesen. “It is imperative that we preserve these areas and I’m pleased the state can contribute to those efforts.”

“The preservation of this battlefield will ensure that generations of visitors can learn about the Civil War and a battle that had a direct impact on the course of American history,” said Senator John Wilder. ”I thank Governor Bredesen and TDOT for making this important investment.”

Representative Randy Rinks added, “This battlefield draws visitors from around the nation and has a positive impact on the economies of both Hardin and McNairy Counties.”

The grant was awarded to the Tennessee Wars Commission, a division of the Tennessee Historical Commission, who will oversee the project.

“This grant will allow us to acquire and interpret some of the most endangered Civil War battlefield property in Tennessee," said Fred Prouty, Director of Programs for the Tennessee Wars Commission.  "We're thrilled to be able to partner as co-applicants with the Civil Wars Preservation Trust and utilize this grant to protect these significant sites for future generations.”
 
The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

“TDOT has funded more than $189 million in transportation related projects through our Enhancement Grant Program,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely.  “This program provides funds to cities, counties and state organizations to fund activities such as the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping, streetscaping and other non-traditional transportation projects.” 

The federal grant program was established by Congress in the early 1990’s to fund activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system.

The Preservation and Interpretation of the Battle of Shiloh project includes the acquisition of properties considering in the core and study area of the battlefield as defined by the Civil War Sites Advisory Council.