Today and tomorrow mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh, the deadliest day of fighting since the Civil War began in 1861. On April 6, 1862, Union forces under the command of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant were surprised by a Confederate attack. Confederate forces fought well that first day, but their battle lines became confused and the Union rallied to a victory on April 7. But victory came at a high cost: The number dead equaled more than all previous battles in the war, combined.

First Day Cancelled Full Sheet (click to order)

Later this month we will commemorate the 150th anniversaries of two more Civil War battles with the release of the Civil War: 1862 stamps. One stamp depicts the Battle of New Orleans while the other depicts the Battle of Antietam. The stamps will be issued in a ceremony on April 24 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Will you be joining us?