Corinth History...

Battle of Shiloh To See and Do

Explore how the fate of a nation was shaped by the dramatic events that unfolded in Corinth during 1862. Corinth, at the junction of the Memphis & Charleston and the Mobile & Ohio railroads, was recognized for its strategic importance by Confederate and Union Commanders. Due to its significance, as many as 300,000 soldiers from the North and the South occupied Corinth from 1861-1865.

On April 6 - 7,1862, the Confederate army made a preemptive strike north of Corinth to protect the city against Union troops being amassed along the Tennessee River. The result of the Confederate strike was the Battle of Shiloh where 44,000 Confederate troops and 63,000 Union troops met on an isolated field of battle. After their defeat at Shiloh, the Confederates withdrew to Corinth and evacuated the city on May 29, 1862.

Late, on October 3-5, 1862, the Confederate forces attempted to retake the city of Corinth. The Battle of Corinth was the bloodiest in Mississippi and opened the way for Grant’s campaign against Vicksburg.

Discover a city that forged its name in history with its spirit of fire and its strength of steel. Visit unforgettable places of history that survived one of America’s most turbulent times. 

Evidence of the battles is scattered throughout the Corinth area. The most unique relic of Corinth's past is its earthworks.

During Corinth’s occupation by both armies, a system of fortifications was built around Corinth. Today, these earthworks remain the best preserved in the nation and are recognized as National Historic landmarks.

Remember the magnificence of Corinth, a place to explore the riches of the past and the present. 

Experience historic Civil War sites, artifact-laden museums, nostalgic downtown stores, scenic state parks and colorful festivals. Corinth is a historic town you will always remember.

For the record

During the 1940's and continuing through the 1960s Corinth gained a reputation for being, the hide-away for several Chicago mob affiliates and home to a notorious group from Alabama that became known as the "STATE LINE MOB."  Quickly being renamed "LITTLE CHICAGO", Corinth’s nightlife became one filled with many  "questionable" activities. In 1964, Bufford Pusser pinned on the badge of McNairy County Tennessee Sheriff and immediately pursued avenues to rid the Mississippi-Tennessee State Line Area of criminal activities. Now this tranquil stretch of by-passed highway holds only memories of Corinth’s colorful, yet checkered, past.