by Dennis Augustine
Saturday brought the American Symphony to Savannah, Tennessee, where we docked alongside our sister ship, the American Splendor.
Our half-day excursion, “Civil War — From Battles to Reconstruction,” began at the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, where a ranger brought to life the battles, military encampments and Reconstruction years that followed.
Then came some true Southern hospitality at Hagy’s Catfish Hotel, a nearly 90-year-old Tennessee institution overlooking the river. We enjoyed a family-style feast of their famous fried catfish, chicken, ham and all the fixings in a wonderfully rustic, down-home setting.
Our final stop was Shiloh National Military Park, where we toured the preserved battlefield and learned about the pivotal Battle of Shiloh of 1862.
History, reflection, Southern cooking and another memorable day along the Tennessee River.