CIVIL WAR HISTORY
Battle of Shiloh
The Hornet's Nest
On April 26, 1862, Union soldiers fought to hold position on this corner of Shiloh Battlefield. The troops fought hard but over half died or were severly wounded. The Confederate army finally surrounded the Hornet's Nest and captured the survivors, moving on to attack the new Yankee line at Pittsburgh Landing. The battle was stopped at sundown with the capture of Union camps and 23 Yankee cannon.
In order to relieve their thirst, thousands of wounded soldiers crawled to a small pond to drink. They laid there to bleed and die, turning the water a rusty color. That small pond became known as "Bloody Pond."
The Gardens of Hallauer House
During the era of the Civil War, Hallauer House boasted over 100 acres of clear cut farm land up to the main road connecting Oberlin and Wellington. That advantage would have allowed the house to witness history and the the Oberlin-Wellington rescue. Today, the house sits on a mere 2 1/2 acres but it is no longer a clear cut area of farmland but instead, a magical place unto itself. Where once there was a field, there are now trees. Where there was once weeds and poison ivy there is now shrubs, perennials, and gravel paths.
After your journey through the house interior, journey with us through the garden rooms. Start at the 'Welcome Garden on 'Welcome Way Path.' Stroll down the 'Tropical Trail' and then 'Amil Avenue" and see the Grandkids at Rest Garden.
Venture further past 'Ethan's Alley,' and then choose the 'High Road' or the 'Low Road.'. Now you're on 'RaRa Road' where you can take in the Western Shutter Garden. Mosey on past Moss Hill or turn onto 'Maya Mile.' Cross over 'Poppop Path' and peek to see what's down 'Darby Drive.' Did you see the 'Ode to a Grecian Urn Garden and 'The Freedom Staircase'? Don't miss 'Emmy Way' where you will see the Cieres Garden. Take a break in the Overlook Pavilion and then continue on to 'Dawn Drive' past the glass wall in the Soundscapes Garden, and on to 'Jenn Junction.' Along the way you will see 'The Brain Drain'! (You'll have to ask!) 'Walk Through Thyme' and smell the herbs in the Fairies Herb Garden or stop and smell the flowers in the Sunnyside Garden. And by all means, don't miss 'RoseCake Walkway' and the wedding cake!
Go slow! Enjoy the journey down every road. Search for the garden antiques! Stop and smell the roses! Find the hidden golden garden grasshopper and win a prize!
