Civil War Itinerary

Day 1

Begin in Corinth, just 20 miles south of Shiloh, Tennessee. This town was at the strategic junction of four major railroads, and thus became the site of the bloodiest battle in Mississippi history. Learn about this and other events at your first stop - the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center. Next, tour Battery Robinett, the reconstruction of one of five earthen batteries built by the Federal army. After lunch, visit historic Corinth Train Depot, and Curlee House, headquarters of two Confederate generals and one Union general. Before the day is done, tour the Northeast Mississippi Museum with Civil War displays andartifacts. Overnight in a historic bed and breakfast inn.

Day 2

Continue south to Baldwyn and Brice's Cross Roads, site of a major Confederate victory under General Nathan Bedford Forrest. In Tupelo, examine the Tupelo National Battlefield. Take a side trip to the nearby town of Aberdeen and tour Gregg-Hamilton House, a planter's cottage once owned by a Confederate congressman. Or visit Holly Springs and the Marshall County Historical Museum with its impressive Civil War room. Travel to Columbus and overnight at an elegant bed and breakfast inn.

Day 3

Visit Friendship Cemetery, where in 1866 several ladies decided to decorate the graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers. They called it "Decoration Day." This kind act attracted national attention, leading to the creation of Memorial Day. Tour some of this historic town's old homes and churches. After lunch, journey to Jackson, the state capital once known as "Chimneyville". This was an appropriate nickname since it was put to the torch on three separate occasions by Union forces. Tour the Old Capitol Museum, the Governor's Mansion, Boyd House "The Oaks," City Hall and Manship House, all of which managed to survive the war. Overnight in Jackson.

Day 4

Continue east toward Vicksburg. You may want to take some time to visit Edwards on the way, where a marker commemorates the site of the Battle of Champion's Hill, one of the war's most decisive battles. Once in Vicksburg, the "Gibraltar of the Confederacy," be sure to watch the film, "The Vanishing Glory." Then take a slow drive through the monumental Vicksburg National Military Park, and tour the USS Cairo Museum. Next, browse through the Old Court House Museum, which offers an eloquent testimony to the great conflict. Jetboat along the Mississippi River and learn about its role in the Civil War. Nearby Raymond, accessible from the Natchez Trace Parkway south of its entrance at Clinton, is the site of the Battle of Raymond. Scheduled for reenactment May 4-6, 2001, this living history event will be the largest Civil War reenactment ever held in Mississippi. After lunch, head south on Highway 61 to Port Gibson, the town U.S. Grant declared "too beautiful to burn." Tour Grand Gulf Military Monument Park, with its museum, Fort Wade, and the old town cemetery. Don't miss the Ruins of Windsor. 23 Monolithic columns are all that remain of what was once the largest antebellum mansion ever built in Mississippi. Stay the night at one of several bed and breakfast inns at Port Gibson or continue on to Lorman where you will find Rosswood, a beautiful and interesting bed and breakfast inn. At the Old Country Store, browse through quality local crafts and enjoy the cuisine at the Down Home Southern Cooking Restaurant. This 1875 building remains in its natural state, unrestored.

Day 5

Drive to Natchez, the oldest permanent settlement on the Mississippi River. The city surrendered to Union forces early in the war, and was spared much of the destruction suffered elsewhere. Over 500 antebellum structures line the streets of this charming old river city where, prior to the Civil War, more millionaires lived than anywhere else in the nation, with the possible exception of New York. Many of the mansions they built still speak of the opulent era of King Cotton and are open daily for tours. After lunch, stroll through the National Cemetery and City Cemetery for a poignant glimpse at markers and monuments to yesterday's heroes, rogues and saints. As a side trip, visit nearby Washington and Historic Jefferson College, once attended by Jefferson Davis, and occupied by Union troops. Spend the afternoon browsing through the many antique shops throughout the town. Dine in the mysterious ambiance of King's Tavern, built at the very terminus of the old Natchez Trace. And later, if you're in the mood, check out the Isle of Capri Casino, a riverboat replica permanently docked at historic Natchez-Under-The-Hill.

Day 6

After breakfast head east toward McComb, where you can take lunch at one of many fine restaurants. And then, continue on to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Check in at one of the local bed and breakfast inns and relax. Tomorrow will be a busy day. But if you're wanting to sample some of the coast's nightlife, several fabulous casinos with top-name entertainment await your pleasure.

Day 7

On scenic Highway 90, also known as "Hospitality Highway," you'll discover Beauvoir, the last home of Confederate President, Jefferson Davis. On tour at Beauvoir is an interesting museum, Confederate Cemetery, and the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library. After lunch, take in the unique shops along the streets of towns with visual names like Bay St. Louis, Ocean Springs and Pass Christian, or take a trip out to Ship Island, one of the coast's many barrier islands, for a tour of Fort Massachusetts, used during the Civil War to house Confederate prisoners of war, under the command of Union General Benjamin F. "Beast" Butler. As the day draws to an end on your historic Civil War journey of Mississippi, enjoy a stroll along the beautiful beach for one of the world's most magnificent sunsets. And then, retire to the luxury of your casino resort suite, or bed and breakfast inn.

Historic Mississippi... where the past collides with the present in a burst of pure delight.