What is the importance of "Shiloh" in the novel, Taft?

Shiloh, Tennessee is the site of one of the bloodiest of Civil War battles; it is now a national park and cemetery. John and Fay travel to Shiloh on a whim, despite the fact that it is hours outside of Memphis. They arrive at dusk, when the park normally closes, but the ranger on duty lets them in. Fay looks at several of the military graves, and she drives through the park with John. When they arrive at a statue dedicated to the fighting men of Iowa, John takes her in his arms and holds her.