News Release

160th Battle of Corinth Anniversary

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Date: September 20, 2022
Contact: Chris Mekow, 731-689-5696

A man in Confederate uniform stands next to a camel
Living Historian and Douglas the Camel

NPS Photo/Mekow

On the weekend of October 1 & 2, activities commemorating the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Corinth will include cannon firing demonstrations, musket firing demonstrations, ranger-led programs, and a special visitor in the form of a camel representing Old Douglas, a pack animal used by the 43rd Mississippi Infantry.

Cannon firing demonstrations will take place at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm on Saturday, October 1. Each demonstration will introduce visitors to the implements and ordnance used during the war and demonstrate the duties of wartime cannoneers. The 6-pounder field piece will be fired twice during each program.

Musket firing demonstrations will take place at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 2. Each demonstration will introduce visitors to the life of the average infantryman during the Civil War and the equipment he was issued.

Old Douglas the Confederate Camel will make three appearances on Saturday at 10:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm, and two appearances on Sunday at 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm. These half-hour long programs will discuss the use of camels in the U.S. military and the story of Old Douglas, the camel that carried the 43rd Mississippi’s band instruments at Corinth.

Saturday’s ranger-led programs will include:

10:30 am – Daniel Murray of the 1st U.S. Infantry: Join Daniel Murray, an Irish immigrant soldier, as he describes his life in the Regular Army during the war.

11:30 am – Battery Robinett: On October 4, 1862, the small earthen redoubt known as Battery Robinett was the focus of three attacks by Confederate infantry and dismounted cavalry.

2:00 pm – Civil War Nurse: Nurse Kate Cumming: A young woman from Mobile, Alabama, travelled to Corinth and tended the wounded of both sides.

3:30 pm – Battery Robinett: On October 4, 1862, the small earthen redoubt known as Battery Robinett was the focus of three attacks by Confederate infantry and dismounted cavalry.

Sunday’s ranger-led programs will include:

10:30 am – Battery Robinett: On October 4, 1862, the small earthen redoubt known as Battery Robinett was the focus of three attacks by Confederate infantry and dismounted cavalry.

11:30 am – Civil War Nurse: Nurse Kate Cumming: A young woman from Mobile, Alabama, travelled to Corinth and tended the wounded of both sides.

1:30 pm – Battery Robinett: On October 4, 1862, the small earthen redoubt known as Battery Robinett was the focus of three attacks by Confederate infantry and dismounted cavalry.All programs on Saturday and Sunday are free and open to the public, with no reservations required to attend.

The following ranger-led programs will be offered from Monday, October 3 through Wednesday, October 5.

Monday, October 3, 2022

10:00 am to 11:30 am – John McArthur & the Fighting on the Union Left Flank: Brigadier General John McArthur began the battle without an assignment. Early in the morning of October 3rd he was given command of a brigade and by noon he was leading three brigades in the greatest showing of his military career. Ranger Laura Lee McKellips will lead a driving tour to Alexander's Crossroads and then return to Corinth with stops at Cane Creek, Oliver's Hill, and Battery F.Meet at the visitor center desk.Hiking Distance: Car caravan and short walksType of Terrain: Short distances on pavement and grassReservations REQUIRED by calling the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center at 662-287-9273.

10:30 am – The Regular Army at Corinth: More than 2.8 million Americans served in the Union Army during the war, but only 75,000--less than 3%--served in the Regulars. A single battalion of the 1st U.S. Infantry and a battery of field artillery, was present at the Battle of Corinth. Less than 300 men, they represented a mere 1% of the Union forces defending the city. Ordered to serve the army's heavy artillery, this small cadre of veteran soldiers played a critical role in securing this pivotal victory for the United States. Join Park Ranger Tom Parson as he explores the contributions of the Regular Army at Corinth.Meet at the visitor center desk. Reservations NOT REQUIRED.

11:00 am – Battery Robinett: On October 4, 1862, the small earthen redoubt known as Battery Robinett was the focus of three attacks by Confedederate infantry and dismounted cavalry. Located on high ground at the center of the Union's defensive line, Battery Robinett was key to a Confederate victory and the intensity of the fighting left the area covered with the dead and wounded of both armies. Join Ranger Matt McMillen for an in-depth look at the heaviest fighting in the largest battle in the State of Mississippi.Meet at the visitor center desk. Reservations NOT REQUIRED.

1:00 pm – Daniel Murray of the 1st U.S. Infantry: Join Daniel Murray, an Irish immigrant soldier, as he describes his life in the Regular Army at the outbreak of the war through the fighting at Battery Robinett. Prior to the Civil War, Daniel served in Indian Territory and later fought at the Battle of Wilson's Creek, Missouri. During the Battle of Corinth, he was one of 26 men from Company C, 1st U.S. Infantry, who were manning the heavy artillery inside of Battery Robinett. Join Ranger Tom Parson for the first-person experience.Meet at the visitor center desk.Reservations NOT REQUIRED.

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm – Davies’ Thin Blue Line: On the morning of October 3rd, Brigadier General Thomas Davies was sent forward by Major General William Rosecrans with confusing orders and 1,787 infantrymen and 11 cannons to hold the Union right against an attack by 8,000 men under Confederate Major General Sterling Price. Overwhelmed at the old Confederate earthworks, Davies would gradually fall back to the White House and make a final stand. An obstinate defense, intense heat, and a disorganized Confederate command would enable Davies to hold his position until relieved at 5:00 pm. During this stand, Brigadier General Charles Hamilton would have a perfect opportunity to attack the exposed Confederate left flank. Due to a series of confusing orders and Hamilton's lack of initiative, the attack would be bungled and occur too late. The car caravan led by Ranger Anthony Killion will travel to the site of the old Confederate earthworks and the site of fighting at the White House.Meet at the visitor center desk.Hiking Distance: Car caravan and short walksType of Terrain: Short to moderate distances over grass and uneven groundReservations REQUIRED by calling the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center at 662-287-9273.

2:30 pm – Civil War Nurse: Kate Cumming: Kate Cumming was a young woman of Mobile, Alabama who defied the expected role of a woman of society. She travelled to Corinth in the wake of the Battle of Shiloh and tended the wounded of both sides. Her unique insight and experiences were recorded faithfully in her diary. Join Ranger Laura Lee McKellips for a glimpse into the life of this remarkable woman.Meet at the visitor center desk.Reservations NOT REQUIRED.

3:30 pm – Battery Robinett: On October 4, 1862, the small earthen redoubt known as Battery Robinett was the focus of three attacks by Confedederate infantry and dismounted cavalry. Located on high ground at the center of the Union's defensive line, Battery Robinett was key to a Confederate victory and the intensity of the fighting left the area covered with the dead and wounded of both armies. Join Ranger Matt McMillen for an in-depth look at the heaviest fighting in the largest battle in the State of Mississippi.

Tuesday, October 4, 2022:

9:30 am – Corinth’s White House: On October 3, 1862, Major General William Rosecrans ordered Brigadier General Thomas Davies to the old Confederate earthworks outside of Corinth. With a force of 1,787 infantrymen and 11 cannons, Davies was ordered to hold his position against 8,000 Confederate soldiers. Through a combination of courage, tactical skill,Confederate mismanagement, and luck, Davies held his position until relieved at 5:00 pm. Join Ranger Anthony Killion for a look at the heaviest fighting of the Battle of Corinth’s first day at a battlefield landmark known as “the White House.” Meet at the visitor center desk.Reservations NOT REQUIRED.

10:30 am to 12:00 pm – Battery Powell and the Confederate Breakthrough: Join Ranger Tom Parson for a ranger talk that will focus on the Confederate attack on Davies’ Division and the breaking of the Federal line at Battery Powell. Details will include the attack of Green’s Division and the breakthrough at Battery Powell; the collapse of DuBois’s line; street to street fighting; the Confederates reach the railroad crossroads; and the flank attack of the 5th Minnesota. The talk will take place at the visitor center. Call to register for this ranger talk. Reservations REQUIRED by calling the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center at 662-287-9273. Bring a chair for this special ranger talk.

11:30 am – Battery Robinett: On October 4, 1862, the small earthen redoubt known as Battery Robinett was the focus of three attacks by Confederate infantry and dismounted cavalry. Located on high ground at the center of the Union's defensive line, Battery Robinett was key to a Confederate victory and the intensity of the fighting left the area covered with the dead and wounded of both armies. Join Ranger Matt McMillen for an in depth look at the heaviest fighting in the largest battle in the state of Mississippi.Meet at the visitor center desk.Reservations NOT REQUIRED.

2:00 pm – Civil War Nurse: Kate Cumming: Kate Cumming was a young woman of Mobile, Alabama who defied the expected role of a woman of society. She travelled to Corinth in the wake of the Battle of Shiloh and tended the wounded of both sides. Her unique insight and experiences were recorded faithfully in her diary. Join Ranger Laura Lee McKellips for a glimpse into the life of this remarkable woman.Meet at the visitor center desk.Reservations NOT REQUIRED.

2:30 pm – Daniel Murray of the 1st U.S. Infantry: Join Daniel Murray, an Irish immigrant soldier, as he describes his life in the Regular Army at the outbreak of the war through the fighting at Battery Robinett. Prior to the Civil War, Daniel served in Indian Territory and later fought at the Battle of Wilson's Creek, Missouri. During the Battle of Corinth, he was one of 26 men from Company C, 1st U.S. Infantry, who were manning the heavy artillery inside of Battery Robinett. Join Ranger Tom Parson for the first-person experience.Meet at the visitor center desk.Reservations NOT REQUIRED.

3:00 pm – Joseph Kirby Smith, Wager Swayne, and the Medal of Honor: In August 1861, a 27-year old Wager Swayne joined the 43rd Ohio Infantry as a major, serving under a 25-year old colonel from a renowned military family. Just over a year later, Swayne would have one of his best days of the war at the Battle of Corinth when command of the regiment was thrust upon him as his commanding officer fell gravely wounded. Join Ranger Anthony Killion to learn more about how this citizen-soldier earned his nation's highest award for valor in action on October 4, 1862.Meet at the visitor center desk.Reservations NOT REQUIRED.

Wednesday, October 5, 2022:

9:30 am to 12:00 pm – Davis Bridge and Young’s Bridge: On the morning of October 5, a small Confederate force which had been left behind to guard wagons, was met at the Hatchie River by a Union division of infantry and artillery. The Union column was on its way to reinforce the garrison at Corinth, and ended up blocking Van Dorn’s retreat. This car caravan will make stops at the site of Van Dorn’s camps in Chewalla, the site of Young’s Bridge on the Tuscumbia River, Metamora Ridge, and site of Davis Bridge on the Hatchie River. Join Ranger Anthony Killion and learn of the final engagement of the Corinth campaign.Meet at the visitor center desk.Distance: Car caravan (approximately 35 miles)Type of Terrain: Short distances of easy walking over some uneven terrainReservations REQUIRED by calling the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center at 662-287-9273.

1:00 pm – The Regular Army at Corinth: More than 2.8 million Americans served in the Union Army during the war, but only 75,000--less than 3%--served in the Regulars. A single battalion of the 1st U.S. Infantry and a battery of field artillery, was present at the Battle of Corinth. Less than 300 men, they represented a mere 1% of the Union forces defending the city. Ordered to serve the army's heavy artillery, this small cadre of veteran soldiers played a critical role in securing this pivotal victory for the United States. Join Park Ranger Tom Parson as he explores the contributions of the Regular Army at Corinth.Meet at the visitor center desk.Reservations NOT REQUIRED.

1:30 pm – Battery Robinett: On October 4, 1862, the small earthen redoubt known as Battery Robinett was the focus of three attacks by Confederate infantry and dismounted cavalry. Located on high ground at the center of the Union's defensive line, Battery Robinett was key to a Confederate victory and the intensity of the fighting left the area covered with the dead and wounded of both armies. Join Ranger Laura Lee McKellips for an in depth look at the heaviest fighting in the largest battle in the state of Mississippi.Meet at the visitor center desk.Reservations NOT REQUIRED.

Space is limited on the car caravan programs, and visitors are asked to register in advance to ensure they have a space available. Please call 662-287-9273 to pre-register. All tours are free and open to the public. The Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center is open from 8 am until 5 pm daily. If you have any questions about this or any other park event you may contact park rangers at 662-287-9273, or go to www.nps.gov/shil, or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shilohnmp.



Last updated: October 1, 2022

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