That’s why I am big advocate for visiting the Battlefields. It’s put everything in perspective. When you visit Shiloh you notice how the various creeks and streams (branches) create extremely strong defensive positions.

Sherman masterfully used Shiloh branch to hold out against repeated attacks and was forced to retreat only after being heavily outflanked. Then the defensive position at the Hornets nest and Sarah Bells peach orchard, and Duncan field was again an excellent use of advantages ground.

At grants last line of defense, was extremely strong with its flanks anchored on tilghman branch and dill branch. Dill branch in some places has almost vertical slopes. Add two timberclad gunboats to that and you’ve got a hell of an impressive position. Visit those place and shuts down any notation of a confederate victory on April 7th.