Corinth (Mississippi)

Many African Americans who fled Southern plantations and farms seeking freedom and protection found the Union-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 streets 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 which changed the lives of so many people. Bronze figures surround the trail through the camp depicting the lives of these people considered “contraband” of war.

Benjamin Franklin Liddon, local banker and civic leader, designed and constructed the Coliseum Theater in 1924 with a capacity of 999 seats as a showplace of Victorian and Art Deco design. Such elements as black and white tile, ornamental plaster on the ceilings, imported white marble wainscoting and a grand staircase warrant its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also a Mississippi Landmark. Open for tours by appointment.

This crossroads of two railroads, the Memphis & Charleston and the Mobile & Ohio, identified Corinth as a strategic location in the Western Theater during the Civil War. These were the only two major standard-gauge railroads in the Confederacy and prompted the Battle of Shiloh as well as the Battle of Corinth. Today the tracks are in the same beds and are in use.

During the summer of 1862, Union forces constructed two arcs of batteries surrounding Corinth from the southeast to the northwest. Still a pristine earthwork, Battery F was overrun during the fierce fighting the first day of the Battle of Corinth.

Battery Robinett was built by the Federal Army following the Siege of Corinth and was the site of fierce fighting October 4, 1862, during the 2nd day of the Battle of Corinth. The obelisk pays tribute to Col. William P. Rogers of the 2nd Texas Infantry who showed great bravery trying to climb the walls of the battery to claim it for the Confederacy. Four unknown Civil War soldiers are buried on this site.

This is the site of one of the finest examples of Civil War fortifications to be found. The Beauregard Line was composed of 7 miles (11 km) of earthworks and rifle pits which spanned the east, north, and west perimeters of Corinth. Interpretive panels located on each of the four observation platforms overlooking portions of the Salient.

Plays host to a variety of musical talents, circus acts and other events

Pickin on the Square offers old time fun. It is enjoyable for all ages. Music played is bluegrass, folk, and country. Regional talent celebrates the bluegrass heritage of the area. Listen spring, summer and fall on the lawn of the Courthouse Square; during the winter, the show moves indoors to the historic Coliseum-Civic Center.

The Cook-Off is sanctioned by the International Chili Society and offers a chance for people to come out and try chili made by chili cookers from all over the country. The event is in conjunction with the Green Market at the Depot.

Mississippi's 2nd largest footrace is one of the best road races in the South! Listed in Running Times as "One of the 100 Great short races".

Celebrate the Fourth of July at Historic Jacinto Courthouse. Live music, arts and crafts, a Civil War encampment, petting zoo, concessions, political speeches (the second largest political rally in Mississippi). Bring your lawn chair.

Come enjoy the Slugburger Festival every year. Don't worry, the burgers are not made from slugs, they get their name because they used to be sold for 5 cents (a slug). There is live entertainment and rides.

Christmas parade features floats and bands from around the area. Santa finishes the parade.

The orchestra continues a holiday tradition of collaboration with local high school choirs and brass players. Advance tickets at the Alliance, Tourism, and Waits Jewelry.