The battle received its name from a small cabin on the battlefield called "Shiloh". It took place on April 6th 1862. Confederate General Albert Johnson decided to attack Union troops- commanded by U.S. Grant- at Pittsburg landing. Johnson's forces surprised the Union troops. The Confederate attack was successful, pushing back Federal troops almost two miles on the first day. Stubborn resistance by Union troops at "Hornet's Nest" (or Sunken Road) held back Confederates for a few crucial hours. During the afternoon battle Johnson was killed. General Beauregard, who took over, continued the attack only calling a halt for nightfall. The next morning, Union troops, freshly reinforced, counter-attacked and carried the day.