General William T. Sherman's sword and scabbard

General William T. Sherman's sword and scabbard

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Description
Physical Description
Model 1850 forged steel with gilt brass scabbard.
Specific History
General William T. Sherman wore this Model 1850 staff and field officer's sword during the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee, April 6–8, 1862.
General History
One of the greatest battles of the War between the States erupted near the banks of the Tennessee River at Shiloh, Tennessee. On April 6, 1862, General Sidney Johnston launched his attack. The Union forces were quickly driven back; they found themselves rapidly approaching the Tennessee River to the east and Owl Creek to the north. However, the Union troops finally established a line at an area known as "the sunken road." Confederate forces launched eleven attacks against the position, but the line would not break. The area became known as the "Hornets Nest" because of the intensity of gunfire and grazing of bullets. Finally the Southern troops brought sixty-two artillery pieces to bear on the Hornets Nest, many at point-blank range. After holding the position for six hours, the Union forces surrendered. The next morning, the fresh Union forces attacked the tired and surprised Confederates, who believed they had won a great victory. By sheer weight of numbers the federals pushed them back. Resistance stiffened; as the day wore on, the Confederates pulled back and the next day withdrew to Corinth.
Object Name
sword
Other Terms
sword; Edged Weapons; Army; Foot Officer; Officer
date made
ca 1850-1862
used date
1862-04-06 through 1862-04-08
user
Sherman, William Tecumseh
maker
Ames Manufacturing Company
used
United States: Tennessee
Physical Description
steel (overall material)
brass (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 8 in x 39 in x 4 in; 20.32 cm x 99.06 cm x 10.16 cm
ID Number
AF.15926
catalog number
15926
accession number
59388
Credit Line
Hon. P. Tecumseh Sherman
subject
Civil War
related event
Civil War
Battle of Shiloh, 1862
Civil War and Reconstruction
See more items in
Political and Military History: Armed Forces History, Military
Military
William Tecumseh Sherman
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Exhibition
Price of Freedom
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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Comments

Hello! I'm very interested in this, as General Sherman is my uncle on my mother's side. I would love to come and see this in person one day.

Stan Lubas

Tue, 2017-03-21 10:18

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