General's Breakfast
General's Breakfast
SAVANNAH, TENN. – The Hardin County Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that ticket sales for the 12th Annual Generals Breakfast at Cherry Mansion have begun.
The event will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, beginning at 9 a.m., on the lawn of the historic home in Savannah.
Address: Tour Hardin County Cherry Mansion, Cherry Mansion, 235 W Main St, Savannah, TN 38372, United States
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; 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.
LIMITED TICKETS REMAINING. PLEASE CALL (731) 925-8181 FOR AVAILABILITY.
What To Expect
Pippin added this event has grown each year over the last decade 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 under events at www.tourhardincounty.org
This event is one of many being held during the 162nd 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 Saturday and Sunday, April 6 & 7, at Shiloh National Military Park. Living historians portraying Union cavalry, infantry, and artillery will be providing individual and combined arms tactical maneuver and live firing demonstrations on the battlefield. Period musical performances by Steve and Lisa Ball both days.
Side note:
Monday, April 8, Shiloh NMP: Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Party with hands-on activities for the kids at Shiloh, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Total eclipse @ 1:59 pm CST
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 12-13 will be the 4th 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 enjoy.
The only portion of the event that will require a ticket will be the Historical Candlelight tour of the camps, set for April 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Attendees will be led by guides in period dress through the different stops to hear true / factual stories from different characters from our past. A limited number of tickets are available on the Tour Hardin County Tennessee Tourism site.
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 craftsman that will be on site. Make plans to come out and enjoy!!” Follow the event on Facebook at Tennessee River Rendezvous.
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.
Beth Pippin
Hardin County Tourism Director
beth@tourhardincounty.org
731-925-8181
731-607-3557
