Place

Tupelo National Battlefield Monument

Granite monument with an eagle on the top commemorating the Battle of Tupelo
Tupelo National Battlefield Monument

NPS

Quick Facts
Location:
2005 Main St, Tupelo, MS 38801
Significance:
Monument commemorating the Battle of Tupelo
Designation:
National Battlefield

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This granite monument was placed here in the 1930s. The National Battlefield was established and originally managed by the War Department starting in 1929. The monument commemorates the men who fought at the Battle of Tupelo, also known as the Battle of Harrisburg.

The monument inscription is as follows:
IN MEMORY
OF THE MEN OF THE
FEDERAL AND
THE CONFEDERATE ARMIES
WHO TOOK PART IN THE 
BATTLE OF TUPELO
OR HARRISBURG
JULY 14-15.
1864
WHICH RESUTLED IN
A VICTORY FOR THE
FEDERAL FORCES UNDER
MAJOR GENERAL
ANDREW J. SMITH

Battle Summary:
On the morning of July 14, the Battle of Tupelo began at 7:30 a.m. when the Confederates began a series of uncoordinated charges against the Federal position. These attacks were beaten back with heavy losses to the Confederates. 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 his troops had repulsed several Confederate attacks, Federal General Andrew Jackson Smith ordered his men back towards Memphis. His army would engage the Confederate forces several miles outside of town on July 15, 1864 at what is called the Battle of Old Town Creek.

See Battle of Tupelo National Battlefield for additional Information.

 

Tupelo National Battlefield

Last updated: October 10, 2024