Place

Corinth Tour #5, Stop #2 - Big Hill

Black and white image of an officer in uniform
General John Bowen

Public Domain

Quick Facts
Significance:
Battle site.

Audio Description

As Major General Earl Van Dorn's Confederate Army of West Tennessee retreated from its defeat at the Battle of Corinth, Brigadier General John Bowen's brigade was placed at the end of the column to serve as a rear guard. Here at Big Hill his soldiers engaged with the pursuing Union force under the command of Brigadier General James B. McPherson. General Bowen's objective was to delay the Union advance long enough for the Confederate wagon train to make it over the Tuscumbia River and evade capture.

Shiloh National Military Park

Last updated: July 21, 2025