Corinth in Alcorn County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

The Big Guns

Civil War Corinth

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 18, 2020

1. The Big Guns Marker

Inscription. "The heavy artillery will be placed in best positions to command the roads and approaches from the quarter of the enemy." P.G.T. Beauregard, April, 1862.

The important railroad junction at Corinth had to be protected. In the spring of 1862 Confederate engineers designed a series of earthworks to the north and east which stretched for seven miles. At key points in the line, pieces of heavy artillery were placed to defend against an attacking foe.

When Union forces occupied Corinth a new defensive plan called for the construction of seven small forts, all within a half mile of this spot. Large caliber cannon, like the 30 pounder Parrott Rifle in front of you, were placed within the walls and were instrumental in the decisive Union victory in the Battle of Corinth.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1862.

Location. 34° 56.03′ N, 88° 31.326′ W. Marker is in Corinth, Mississippi, in Alcorn County. Marker is on Wick Street, on the right when traveling west. Located in front of the Crossroads Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Corinth MS 38834, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "A beehive of activity..." (within shouting distance of this marker); Caboose #2994 (within shouting distance of this marker);

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Union Troops at Corinth (within shouting distance of this marker); 1942 American LaFrance Fire Engine (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Tishomingo Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); View Toward Batteries Robinett and Williams (within shouting distance of this marker); Corinth (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Decision at the Crossroads (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corinth.

More about this marker. The marker features a photo of a 30-pdr Parrott rifle in a battery position at Aiken's Landing, Virginia, courtesy of the Library of Congress. While not a photo of the Corinth fortifications, those mentioned on the marker were of similar construction.

Also see . . . Battle of Corinth. American Battlefield Trust page for the Battle of Corinth, featuring a map indicating the fortifications mentioned on the marker. (Submitted on July 25, 2020, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

The Historic Corinth Depot and Crossroads Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 18, 2020

2. The Historic Corinth Depot and Crossroads Museum

The marker is along the walkway to the front door of the museum.

30-pdr Parrott Rifle image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 18, 2020

3. 30-pdr Parrott Rifle

Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2020, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 201 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 25, 2020, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.