Civil War Interpretive Center

With so much history, Corinth, MS, has a lot to offer. Whether you’re a history buff or just someone looking to learn more about our country and the Civil War, visiting the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center will be a must during your trip. This facility provides guests with all the details of Corinth’s role in some of the most pivotal battles that have ever taken place on the country’s soil. Visit Corinth looks at what makes the Civil War Interpretive Center in Corinth, MS, a great destination for tourists who want to explore what the area has to offer.

Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center exterior

The History of Corinth

The Civil War Interpretive Center in Corinth only exists because of the area’s fascinating yet war-torn history. Lying on the border of MS and TN, Corinth provided a strategic site that both Union and Confederate armies recognized during the Civil War. Both sides realized the importance of controlling rail lines and having easy access to the Mississippi River, which both culminated in the area surrounding Corinth.

Union armies traveled down the Tennessee River, and for two days in early April of 1862, the Battle of Shiloh took place. The battlefield left thousands dead or wounded from both the Union and Confederate armies. Ultimately, the North won, controlling the strategic city. After several months, a Second Battle of Corinth took place as the Confederacy tried to recapture Corinth, only to be denied. The Union established the Corinth Contraband Camp, a haven for escaped enslaved peoples from nearby plantations. The camp helped teach them to read, write, and support themselves, all of which would help them in their post-war lives.

What Will You Find at the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center?

While many historical sites provide informative details, the Corinth, MS, Civil War Interpretive Center offers more exciting ways to learn about this significant locale. The center is a 15,000 sq. ft. facility that has plenty of exhibits to create interest for the whole family. There are educational videos and other multimedia presentations to spark interest, but, as the name suggests, it’s the interactive displays that make this site stand out. The center boasts a life-size diorama of earthwork construction, as well as a full-scale 2-gun battery reproduction, helping visitors understand how crucial field fortification was during the war. Some exhibits explore African American history to show that the site was more than just a battlefield but pivotal to the abolition movement.

The centerpiece of the site is our commemorative courtyard, which helps show respect for the area and the lives lost during the war. The courtyard features stone structures with flowing water to help pay homage to the growth of our country and the events that led up to the war. It is a beautiful, scenic space that helps represent four years of war.

The center offers other amenities that visitors are sure to enjoy, including:

  • A 75-seat auditorium for watching presentations

  • A public library with historical literature on the area, the war, and more

  • A gift shop and bookstore to let you take home something special

Perhaps most important, the center offers free admission, making it easy for you, your family, or your friends to make the trip.

More to Explore

The Corinth, MS, Civil War Interpretive Center is a great attraction for those looking to learn about our country’s history, but there are other nearby attractions you’ll want to check out during your visit. For example, the Corinth Contraband Camp provides insight into the lives of the more than 6,000 former slaves who called the camp home as they learned how to live as free men and women. The camp offers outdoor exhibits to let you enjoy the fresh air as you explore.

Shiloh National Military Park lets you step foot on the actual battlefields from the war. You’ll discover artifacts, watch films, and see various historical exhibits. The park even offers a tour of the battlefields that covers over 12 miles.

Make the Trip to Corinth Today

Learning about history provides interesting insight into the events that have shaped our world today. The Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center is proud to offer informative and interactive exhibits that help visitors understand just how important the site was during the war. Open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, the center makes it easy for adults and children alike to gain a new appreciation for history.

With so many places to eat, shop, and play, your trip to Corinth, MS, is sure to excite the whole family. You can even check out our upcoming events to help make the most of your trip. Choose Visit Corinth to help plan your trip.