Battle of Old Town Creek July 15, 1864

At 2 p.m. on July 15, 1864, Federals marched four miles and crossed to the north side of Old Town Creek and camped in the late afternoon. At 5 p.m., from a commanding ridge south of Old Town Creek, Confederate forces surprised Smith’s troops with artillery and infantry fire. The Federal Army prevailed and the fight at Old Town Creek ended the Battle of Tupelo. This site is managed by the Mississippi Final Stands Interpretive Center.

• The battlefield site encompasses a small parking area along Mt. Vernon Road. There are a total of three informational panels near the parking area on the other sides of the sidewalk that borders one side of the parking area. The parking area, informational panels and sidewalk are on a small ridge that overlooks the battlefield site to the east. Today the battlefield site is an agricultural field with Old Town Creek to your left.

Mississippi Final Stands Interpretive Center

Our friends at the Mississippi Final Stands Interpretive Center have exhibits and films, which interpret the Battle of Brices Cross Roads fought June 10, 1864 and the Battle of Tupelo/Harrisburg fought July 14-15, 1864.

• The building is made of various shades of red colored bricks. THe entrance to the building is on the left hand side. There are several steps and a wheelchair ramp leading to the entrance door. White railings border the stairs and the wheelchair ramp. Parking spaces are available very close to the entrance and there are handicap parking spaces there as well. Once you enter the building the information desk and museum exhibits are to your right. Bathrooms and water fountain are to your left and the bookstore and gift shop are straight ahead.

Tupelo National Battlefield Monument

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 is made of granite with a commemoration inscription engraved in the front of it facing the main road. The base is 20 feet wide with a height of 10 feet with an eagle perched on the tops. The eagle is also made of granite and 30 inches tall. The eagle is looking to the viewers left. The monument is surrounded by a sidewalk and grass.

Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center

• Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center
• The National Park Service administers the National Battlefield through the Natchez Trace Parkway. Visitors are welcome to ask questions and learn more about the battlefield at the Parkway Visitor Center (Milepost 266) located about six miles north of the monument. The Visitor Center is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Central Time). The Natchez Trace Parkway can be reached at 800-305-7417.

• Exploring The Battle of Tupelo
• More than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers fought in and around Tupelo, Mississippi between the morning of July 14 and the evening of July 15, 1864. This is known as the Battle of Tupelo or the Battle of Harrisburg.

Driving Tour of the Battle of Tupelo

Take a short 2 stop driving tour and learn about the Battle of Tupelo that took place in and around Tupelo, Mississippi July 14th and 15th, 1864.