Corinth Historic Driving Tour in Corinth, Mississippi

About the Historic Driving Tour

During the Civil War, seizing control of Corinth was a main objective for military leaders due to its vital railways and transportation routes. Experts estimate that 300,000 Confederate and Union soldiers occupied Corinth from 1861-1865.

Corinth’s historical presence can still be felt today. Many of the buildings and sites that were utilized during the Civil War remain. Visitors and history enthusiasts can grasp Corinth’s complete historical impact on the Corinth Civil War Driving Tour, which includes:

Corinth Civil War Interpretative Center

The Corinth Civil War Interpretative Center is a state-of-the-art 15,000 sq. ft. attraction, providing guests with a wealth of knowledge about Corinth’s importance during the Civil War. Opened in 2004, the center highlights the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Corinth through interactive exhibits and other multimedia presentations.

Battery F

Battery F is one of six outer batteries built by the Union Army to provide support fire. It protected the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. The field where Battery F once resided is marked with a National Park Service sign.

Site of the White House

The site of a home known in Corinth as the White House acted as a hospital for wounded soldiers during the Battle of Corinth. Although the actual home is no longer there, an information plaque marks where it once stood.

Site of Battery Robinett

A Union battery named for its commander, Lieutenant Henry Robinett, Battery Robinett no longer exists but the site where it once was can still be viewed. The site is marked by several monuments and six Confederate graves.

Site of Battery Powell

Battery Powel played a significant role in the Battle of Corinth. The fortification was captured by Confederate troops but retaken by Union soldiers quickly after. The location of Battery Powell is denoted by a historical marker for visitors to view.

The Railroad Crossing

During the Civil War, two of the longest railroads in the South intersected in Corinth, making it such a strategic acquisition for military forces. The Rail Crossing-Trailhead Park is a viewing area for the crossing of the historic Memphis-Charleston and Mobile-Ohio railroads. The intersection is located behind the Crossroads Museum and Historic Corinth Depot.

Site of the Mitchell House

During the war, the Mitchell House served as the headquarters of various generals on both sides of the conflict. Notable residents include Confederate General Frank Cheatham and Union generals Ulysses S. Grant, William T. Sherman, and Don Carlos Buell. The Corinth City Hall now occupies this site.

The Verandah-Curlee House

Built in 1857, for Hamilton Mask, one of the founders of the city, the Verandah-Curlee House was used as the headquarters for Generals Braxton Bragg, H.W. Halleck, and John B. Hood during the Civil War. The home has been restored and is now a National Historic Landmark.

Duncan House

The Duncan House was occupied and used throughout the war by Confederate and Union officers. Confederate General Pierre G.T. Beauregard used the Duncan House as his headquarters in 1862 until after the Battle of Shiloh. Later that year, the home was occupied by Union General William Rosecrans.

Oak Home

During the early years of the Civil War, the Oak Home was the headquarters of Confederate General Leonidas Polk. The house is now a private residence and not available to the public but can be viewed from afar.

Site of Ross Cottage

The Cottage House served as the headquarters for General Albert Sidney Johnston, Confederate Commander of the War in the West. General Johnson was fatally wounded during the Battle of Shiloh. His body was brought back to the Rose Cottage. The Rose Cottage no longer exists but the historical site is marked by an informative plaque.

Fish Pond House

The Fish Pond House served as headquarters for Confederate Generals John Breckenridge and Pierre G. T. Beauregard. The home was built in 1856 and got its name from a thermal water tank that was on the roof.

Corinth Contraband Camp

The Corinth Contraband Camp acted as a temporary city for runaway slaves, who escaped to Corinth seeking protection with the Union Army.  The camp housed over 6,000 freedom seekers and was intuitive in teaching valuable skills to children and adults.

Corinth National Cemetery

The Corinth National Cemetery was established by an order from the Secretary of War in April 1866. The 20-acre cemetery is the final resting place for 1,793 known and 3,895 unknown Union soldiers and is open to the public.

Union Siege Line, First

This location was a pivotal site for the Siege of Corinth.

Farmington Baptist Church

The site of the Farmington Baptist Church served as the battleground for the battle known as The Farmington Races. The nearby cemetery serves as the final resting place for several Confederate soldiers.

Union Siege Line

This site marks trenches dug by the Army of Ohio.

Driver House

Serving as a hospital site, this house was used as a drop-off spot for several wounded Confederate soldiers following the Battle of Shiloh. The home is now a private residence and is marked with a sign.

Union Earthworks

At this site, Union field fortifications can be found that were used during the war.

Union Earthworks #2

This site is known as Harbor Road Earthworks.

Union Earthworks #3

These earthworks are a watershed overlooking the west side of Phillips Creek.

The Beauregard Line

The Beauregard Line is composed of seven miles of earthworks and rifle pits. It spans the east, south, and west perimeters of Corinth, making it one of the finest extant Civil War fortifications.

Take a Ride Through History in Corinth, MS

Experience the rich Civil War history of Corinth, MS by completing your itinerary with a historic driving tour. The tour includes 22 historical sites, which visitors can enjoy at their own pace. For more information about the Corinth Historic Driving Tour, or other reconditions to help enhance your stay, contact us today at Visit Corinth.