Shiloh National Military Park - On 4,000 acres overlooking the Tennessee River, 151 monuments, 217 cannon, and over 450 historic tablets mark America’s best preserved battlefield, the site of the Civil War’s first major combat in the western theatre. Fought April 6, 7, 1862, the Battle of Shiloh (Pittsburg Landing) gave Federal General U.S. Grant his sternest test and witnessed the death of Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston, the highest ranking American ever killed in combat. A ten-mile, self guided driving tour begins at the Visitors Center, which features an orientation file and interpretive exhibits. Ranger lead programs are given seasonally. Open Daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Closed Christmas Day). 901-689-5696, >www.nps.gov/shil/

Booneville - The Cunningham House, located in Downtown Booneville, is where General Nathan Bedford Forrest planned the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads. The night before this pivotal Civil War Battle, Forrest and his men spent the night in the Cunningham House before making their morning attack at Brice’s Crossroads. The House is open by appointment by contacting the Booneville Chamber of Commerce, 662-728-4130, www.boonevillemississippi.com.

Brice's Crossroads - On the morning of June 10, 1864, Federal and Confederate troops clashed near Baldwyn at Brice's Crossroads. Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest led elements of his cavalry corps in a bloody day-long battle against a much larger Federal Army commanded by General Samuel Sturgis. Fighting in sweltering heat, Forrest used his superior knowledge of the enemy, aggressive tactics and favorable terrain to win one of the most decisive battles of the Civil War. Today the battlefield contains monuments and interpretive panels on a small one acre plots at the crossroads. Local preservationist have secured more of the battlefield land and opened a 3000 sq ft visitors center which features artifacts and detailed model of the battlefield. Located at 607 Grisham Street, Baldwyn, Mississippi, 662-365-3969 or www.bricescrossroads.com

Tupelo Battlefield - On the morning of July 14, the Battle of Tupelo began when Confederate troops began a series of uncoordinated attacks against the Federal position. These attacks were beaten back with heavy losses. Failing to break the Federal center, the Confederates attacked the Federal right, again without success. After dark, the Confederates made another attack from the south without significant effect. Although Federal troops had repulsed several Confederate attacks, the Federal leaders were alarmed. Their supplies were running low. On July 15, after skirmishing with Confederates on the western and southern fronts, the Federals began marching north in the direction of Memphis. They marched four miles and crossed to the north side of Old Town Creek and camped in the late afternoon. In the evening, Confederate forces surprised these troops with artillery and infantry fire. The Federals scrambled and formed a line that pushed the Confederates off the ridge and forces them to retreat to Harrisburg. The grounds of the Tupelo Battlefield are open to the public everyday. Visitors are welcome to learn more about the Battlefield at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitors Center. 800-305-7417, www.nps.gov/tupe

Iuka - The Battle of Iuka took place on September 19, 1862 as part of the Campaign for Corinth. A major portion of the Battle was fought near Woodall Mountain, the highest point in the State of Mississippi. Woodall Mountain may be accessed by County Road 185, Iuka. Also, the Oak Grove Cemetery in Iuka is the final resting place for many Civil War soldiers. For more information, contact 800-386-4373 or www.tishomingo.org.

Davis Bridge - The Battle of Davis Bridge is often referred to as the third day of the Battle of Corinth. It was there that forces of three brigades under Federal General E.O.C. Ord, enroute from Bolivar to Corinth, seized high ground to the east and turned aside the Confederate Army of West Tennessee, retiring to Holly Springs after its abortive attack on Corinth. Overall Federal casualties were 570. The Confederates crossed the Hatchie at Crum’s Mill six miles to the south. Davis Bridge is located off of Tennessee Highway 57. For directions, call 662-287-9273.

Holly Springs offers 64 antebellum properties. Two of the homes are open by appointment: Walter Place, which was the home of Federal General U.S. Grant and his family during late 1862-early 1863; and Montrose, the home of the Holly Springs Garden Club. For appointments, call 662-252-2515.