General's Breakfast
Experience history up close in Hardin County, Tennessee!
SAVANNAH, TENN. –Hardin County Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that ticket sales for the 14th Annual Generals Breakfast at Cherry Mansion have begun.
The event will be held on Saturday, April 4, beginning at 9 a.m., on the lawn of the historic home in Savannah.
Cherry Mansion came of note during the Civil War when General Ulysses S. Grant made his headquarters at the home during the Battle of Shiloh. The story goes that General Grant was enjoying breakfast with his staff in the Cherry Mansion, his headquarters, in Savannah, Tennessee when he heard the faint roar of artillery from the fighting at Pittsburg Landing down river; and said, “Gentlemen, the ball is in motion.”
Tickets for the event are $20 each and include the outdoor breakfast catered by Mollie Monday’s featuring hot biscuits, gravy, breakfast casserole, coffee and water and a selection of cherry treats, along with a storytelling program by the attending in character generals. Guests may walk the grounds at the mansion as touring inside the home is not allowed. The event is for ticket holders only and sold in advance only.
“General US Grant, portrayed by historian Dr. Curt Fields, will be joined at his headquarters by his rival, Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard, portrayed by historian Larry McCluney, Jr. These first-person living history portrayals are a unique and fun recounting of historical events and famous people, making for some great storytelling!”, said Tourism Director Beth Pippin.
Pippin added this event continues to grow and there is a limited number of tickets available sold in advance only. The breakfast is an outside venue under a heated tent enclosure. Please dress appropriately as the grounds may be damp and cool crisp morning air is typical for spring weather in west Tennessee.
Tickets for The Generals Breakfast are available at the Tennessee River Museum in downtown Savannah or on-line: https://hardin-county-convention-and-visitors-bureau.square.site/
This event is one of many being held during the 164th anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh. The day continues by offering a visit to the Tennessee River Museum in downtown Savannah and then you are encouraged to follow in Grant’s footsteps taking the trip across the river to Shiloh National Military Park.
On-you-own-touring by car, hiking, or biking is an area favorite for visitors to the pristine park. There will be Battlefield Hikes presented during the anniversary commemoration led by rangers at Shiloh National Park. Schedules are to be announced soon but the details include events for the weekend following the Breakfast on April 11, at Shiloh National Military Park.
But hold on, history enthusiasts!
The historic events don’t stop there! Just northbound of Shiloh and Savannah near the river town of Saltillo, Tennessee on April 10-11 will be the 6th Annual Tennessee River Rendezvous– a primitive art and weaponry/history festival. This fun-filled 2-day free event is packed full of reenactors of Native American, Mountain Men, War of 1812, Long hunters, Mexican American War, Spanish Conquistadors, French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I and II, Vietnam periods plus sutlers and encampments.
The location site is near downtown on the sprawling acres of Smith Farms, 215 Ashley Road, hwy. 69, Saltillo, TN. There will be food and art vendors, music, and reenactor campsites for attendees to stroll amongst all while experiencing living history.
Saturday evening of the festival is a celebration of the America’s 250 with a Dance through History, followed by a military night firing and fireworks. Attendees are encouraged to dress in period costumes from any decade as music will be enjoyed from Civil War thru the 1940’s. Sutlers and reenactors will be in character adding to the fun.
Event organizer Mike Fields said “We will have many demonstrations throughout the weekend!! Cannon firings, flint lock musket firings, ancestral drums, stories, wood carvings….not to mention the food!!! Plus many, many vendors and craftsmen will be on site. Make plans to come out and enjoy!!” Follow the event on Facebook at Tennessee River Rendezvous.
We hope you will join us in Hardin County for our rich in history, rich in flavor springtime that is packed full of events!
For more information on Hardin County events including the Battle of Shiloh visit www.explorepickwicktn.com or www.nps.gov/shil or call 731-925-8181.
A WWII Experience
…and if this isn’t enough to get you excited about history just wait until May 18! As we bring a brand new event to Hardin County! A Salute To The 40’s : A WWII Experience. Step back in time and join us for a nostalgic journey through the 1940’s! This exciting event will transport you to an era of swing music, classic cars, vintage fashion, and the world’s greatest human conflict: World War II. Get ready to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the greatest generation as they endured the tests and trials of the uncertain times that were the 40’s.
Hosted in downtown Savannah, TN, this in-person event promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to relive the magic of the 40’s and create lasting memories through honoring the many heroes that lived and served in these trying times.
We hope you will join us in Hardin County for a rich in history, rich in flavor springtime packed full of events!
For more information on Hardin County events including the Battle of Shiloh visit www.tourhardincounty.org or www.nps.gov/shil or call 731-925-8181.
Camila Tato
Hardin County Tourism
camila@tourhardincounty.org
731-925-8181
or Beth at 731-607-3557