Corinth Mississippi Driving Tour

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The Corinth Contraband Camp is the location where many runaway slaves found freedom and safety. The Corinth area was controlled by Union forces under the leadership of General Granville Dodge. When the runaway slaves would arrive at this location General Dodge started to make them teamsters, cooks, and workers. He also armed and used the male refugees to guard the new camp here.

2. The Battle of Corinth

Not to be confused with the Siege of Corinth, which took place a few months earlier between April 29 to May 30, 1862, the Battle of Corinth (also known as the Second Battle of Corinth) occurred here on October 3-4. In the Spring battle, Union forces besieged the city and were ultimately victorious. In the Autumn battle, the Confederate attempted to regain control of the city and its key railroad crossings. The Confederates made initial gains but Union forces were able to eventually push the Confederates back, winning the battle and preserving control of the city. The battle and the skirmishes that occurred around it were among some of the most ferocious and bloodiest battles in the state. Union forces suffered over 2,500 casualties and the Confederates over 4,200 (these numbers include those wounded or captured). Many of those Union soldiers who died are buried in the Corinth National Cemetery, which was established in 1866 following the Civil War. Three Confederate soldiers—two known and one unknown—are also buried here. The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is part of the Siege and Battle of Corinth Sites National Historic Landmark District, which comprises of several sites in the area.

3. Black History Museum of Corinth

The Black History Museum of Corinth is located in a historic home that was donated to the city of Corinth in 1990. The small museum preserves the history of African Americans in Corinth. It features photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts on display. The museum emphasizes the role that religion and education have played in the lives of African Americans in the area. With the goal of preserving and displaying artifacts that depict the African American experience in Corinth, the museum keeps African American heritage alive for future generations.

4. Crossroads Museum

Founded in 1979 as the Northeast Municipal Building, the Crossroads Museum aims to preserve and promote northeast Mississippi's rich natural, cultural, and military history. It is housed in the old depot building just next to the where two railroads have intersected since the 19th century. During the Civil War, the railroads that intersected in Corinth were crucial, at one point second only to Richmond in their strategic importance. Because of this, the city of Corinth has a rich Civil War and railroad history that the museum seeks to preserve.

5. Coliseum Theatre

Now known as the Coliseum Civic Center, the historic Coliseum Theatre has been one of the primary entertainment venues in the city of Corinth since its construction in 1924. It originally hosted vaudeville acts and showed movies as well. The two-story building features a Flemish bond masonry exterior and arched windows and entryways. The Corinth Area Arts Council manages it and it is home to the Corinth Symphony Orchestra.

6. Old U.S. Post Office

The former U.S. Post Office is one of the more striking landmarks in Corinth. Originally built in 1913, it combines the Neoclassical and the Georgian Revival styles. The brick building features limestone trim, a low-hipped roof, a large portico with Doric half columns, and round-arched openings. The building is now home to FMB Bank.

7. Verandah-Curlee House

Built in 1857, the Verandah-Curlee House is an example of Greek Revival architecture and is historically significant for its association with the Civil War. It was built by one of the co-founders of the Corinth, Hamilton Mask, who worked as a surveyor and served two terms as mayor, first in 1866, and then again in 1872. During the war, Confederate generals Braxton Bragg and Earl Van Dorn occupied the house in April and May 1862; Union General Henry Halleck occupied it next from the end of May 1862 to early October. The city was strategically important, as it was the location of a major railroad crossing. The house is now a museum and also can be rented for events. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and is one of several buildings in the city that comprise the Siege and Battle of Corinth Sites National Historic Landmark District.

8. Duncan House

Originally built in 1857 by William Lane Duncan, this is one of the oldest homes in Corinth and has direct ties to the Civil War. Duncan was a prominent local figure in the mid-1800s, serving as sheriff of Tishomingo County (it was later divided into three counties, including Alcorn County, in 1870) and in other roles. Throughout the war, both Confederate and Union officers occupied and used the house. These included Confederate General Pierre G.T. Beauregard in 1862 and, later that year, Union General William Rosecrans. Additionally, it is believed that Union General Ulysses S. Grant visited Rosecrans at the house. Just down the street at the corner of Polk and Linden Streets is a small park (called Duncan Park) featuring a historical marker, interpretive panels describing the role Corinth played during the war, and original train rails from the railroad junction located just 1,500 feet to the south. The house is a private residence and not open to the public.

9. Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center

The Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center is operated by the National Park Service as part of Shiloh National Military Park. The twelve thousand square foot facility interprets the key role of Corinth, Mississippi, in the Civil War's western theater. The rail crossing at Corinth ranked second only to the Confederate capital at Richmond in terms of strategic importance for more than a six-month period of 1862. Known originally as Cross City for the important rail lines that intersect in the town, Corinth played a major role in the Civil War.

This Tour is a Driving or Biking Tour.

Corinth Mississippi Driving Tour

Created by Clio Admin on December 27th 2020, 1:23:29 am.

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Description

This short drive through Corinth includes several museums, historic homes, and landmark sites and buildings related to topics ranging from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. The tour starts at the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center and moves on to several historic homes as well as the community's central post office, a historic theater, and several museums. The tour concludes at the preserved site where formerly enslaved persons built a camp and community during the Civil War.

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Corinth Mississippi Driving Tour

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