“It was the last romantic,
and first modern war.”
-Shelby Foote
Explore the Battlefields
MS Final Stands offers an in-depth exploration of two defining Civil War battlefields – the Battle of Tupelo and the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads. These places serve as poignant reminders of our history, where courage, fear, and dedication painted an unforgettable scene of the Civil War. The vivid portrayal of these strategic clashes invites visitors to delve into the past and uncover the stories etched in their landscapes.
The Battle of Tupelo, fought in July 1864, was a significant conflict aimed at preventing the Confederate Army from threatening Union supply lines. The site brings to life the intense battle and its pivotal role in the Union’s western campaign. On the other hand, the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads, held a month earlier, was famed for its tactical genius staged by Confederate Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest against a much larger Union force. Serving as a memory of the strategic maneuver that led to a Confederate victory, Brice’s Crossroads offers a vivid journey through the past. MS Final Stands portrays these historical events with an accuracy and respect that has the power to take one back in time.
Interpretive Center Hours
Mon – SAT | 9AM – 4:30PM
Closed Sundays
Brice's Crossroads
Tupelo/Harrisburg
Timeline
Spring
1864
In the spring of 1864, the Union’s plan for war in the Western Theater was to divide the South. Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman’s task was to destroy the Army of Tennessee, occupy Atlanta, and march to the sea to apply pressure against the Confederacy. Early in the Atlanta Campaign, the Confederate high command contemplated attacking Sherman’s main supply line, the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, to disrupt his progress.
June
1864
Maj. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest’s mounted infantry set out towards Tennessee on June 1st and reached Russellville, Alabama, before Maj. Gen. Stephen D. Lee ordered them to return to Tupelo. On June 10th, Forrest engaged in battle with Brig. Gen. Samuel Sturgis’ Union force outside of Brice’s Crossroads. Although Forrest won the battle due to his tactical use of more mobile cavalry and Union troops were routed, their retreat was covered by the 55th & 59th USCT Troops. Brice’s Crossroads was a brilliant tactical victory, but the battle did not relieve the Confederacy.
July
1864
The goal in July was to keep Maj. Gen. Nathan B. Forrest in Mississippi and maintain the Atlanta Campaign’s supply lines. Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Smith set out from Memphis on that task and engaged with Confederate forces, consisting of Forrest and Lieut. Gen. Stephen D. Lee’s reinforcements outside of Tupelo on July 14th. The Union forces – which included the 61st & 68th USCT – repulsed the uncoordinated Confederate attacks, inflicting heavy casualties. On the 15th, after being surprised by Confederate troops, the Federal Army prevailed, Gen. Nathan B. Forrest was wounded, and Smith – short on rations – started back towards Memphis.
Upcoming
Events
Attending the history and general events held at MS Final Stands provides a unique opportunity to delve deep into America’s past. Engaging presentations, along with educational tours and exhibits, uphold the the historic authenticity of these battlefields, offering a vivid encounter with the nation’s past. Whether it’s through history-rich seminars or commemorative ceremonies, these events help resurrect forgotten war-time narratives, ensuring we continue learning from our shared history.
