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Civil War Interpretive Center - A Unit of Shiloh National
Military Park For six months in 1862, Corinth, a critical
railroad junction and second only to Richmond in military
importance, captured the full attention of a divided nation.
Today, one of the National Park Service's newest visitors
centers, interprets the key role of Corinth in the Western
Theatre of the American Civil War. The 15,000 sq. ft. facility
features interactive exhibits, a multi-media presentation
of the Battle of Shiloh and a video of the Battle of Corinth.
The center stands near the site of Battery Robinett, a Federal
fortification, where the bloodiest fighting of the Battle
of Corinth (October 3-5, 1862). An obelisk pays tribute to
Colonel William P. Rogers of the 2nd Texas Infantry, who showed
great bravery attempting to climb the walls of the Battery
to claim it for the Confederacy. Four unknown Confederate
soldiers are also buried at the site. Visitors reach the center
by ascending a walkway strewn with bronze replicas reflecting
the aftermath of battle. At the building's entrance, visitors
pass six bronze Civil War soldiers marching into the Center
at double-quick. Full scale reproductions of earthworks explain
the importance of field fortifications. An extensive courtyard
exhibit is home to a water feature commemorating two hundred
years of American history. The Center also houses a seventy-five
seat auditorium, public research library, and a gift shop/bookstore.
Hours: Daily 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Closed on Christmas Day).501
West Linden Street, Corinth, 662-287-9273, www.nps.gov/shil
Crossroads Museum/Railroad Crossing - Serving as the
hub of historical information for the area, the Crossroads
Museum features permanent exhibits featuring authentic Civil
War relics and railroad memorabilia. The Museum is situated
near the crossroads of two railroads. The crossing of the
then the Memphis & Charleston and the Mobile & Ohio,
catapulted Corinth into the national spotlight during the
early years of the War. These railroads were the only two
major standard gauge railroads in the Confederacy and were
important for communication and supply lines. Today the active
freight lines sit in the same beds as those from 150 years
ago. Visitors may also get a glimpse of the historic crossroads
from the safety of the Museum's interior gallery. Hours: Tuesday
– Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 – 4:00 p.m. (Closed
all major holidays). 221 North Fillmore Street, Corinth, 662-287-3120,
www.crossroadsmuseum.com
Corinth Contraband Camp - Many African Americans who
fled Southern plantations and farms seeking freedom and protection
found the Federally occupied Corinth to be a secure location.
Union General Grenville Dodge understood what effect the defection
of thousands of African- Americans would have on the Confederate
War effort. He began to enlist the escaped slaves who came
into his lines as teamsters, cooks, and laborers. He actively
recruited male refugees, armed them, and placed them in charge
of security at the newly organized contraband camp in Corinth.
Dodge's refugee administrative efforts led to the formation
of the 1st Alabama Infantry Regiment of African Descent, consisting
of approximately 1,000 men. Under the supervision of Chaplain
James M. Alexander of the 66th Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
the Corinth camp resembled a small town, complete with a church,
commissary, hospital, both frame and log houses, and a street
grid with named and numbered houses. An American Missionary
Association School operated where eager students of all ages
sought knowledge day and night. Today, a portion of this camp
has been set aside to commemorate the events with changed
the lives of so many people. Bronze figures surround the trail
through the camp depicting the lives of these people once
considered “contraband” of war. Hours: Daily Dawn to Dusk,
902 North Parkway, Corinth.
 Battery
F & Other Earthworks - Corinth boasts the most pristine
line of Civil War Earthworks
in the Nation. Examples of these may be found at Battery F
and the Beauregard Line. During the Summer of 1862, Federal
forces constructed two arcs of batteries surrounding Corinth
from the southeast to the northwest. Battery F served as one
of the outer works, which names were lettered, and was the
site of fierce fighting on the first day of the Battle of
Corinth. Hours: Daily Dawn to Dusk, Davis Street, Corinth.
The Beauregard Line of Earthworks is an example of the finest
and best preserved Civil War fortifications. It once consisted
of seven miles of earthworks and rifle pits which spanned
the east, north and west perimeters of Corinth.
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