A Texture Of Battle Tactics Between Two Strategic Generals In Tupelo & The Repercussions
With so many points of interest in Tupelo, Mississippi, a stop at the Tupelo National Battlefield should definitely be on any history buff/RVers “to-do” list. This battleground was an important part of the American Civil War. Over 2,000 men lost their lives there.
Edwina Carpenter, of Mississippi’s “Final Stands” and an expert on the local aspects of the Civil War, recounts the battle for The Buzz: “The battles of Tupelo-Harrisburg resulted in casualties for both Union and Confederate forces. Gen. N.B. Forrest was wounded at Old Town Creek and the Confederate Cavalry experienced their "last stands" here in the summer of 1864. This hallowed ground has been preserved and interpreted and we believe it is a treasure to be saved for posterity."
The Battle of Tupelo specifically occurred from July 14, 1864 to July 15, 1864. While this may seem relatively short for a battle, it was extremely important for many reasons. The Union victory in Tupelo enabled Union troops to continue getting supplies via the Chattanooga and Nashville railroad systems during the Civil War.
The entire motive behind the battle was not for the Union to win or lose, but an effort for General , of the Union Army, to keep General Forrest, of the Confederate Army, in North Mississippi. Forrest was attempting to use his men and skills to destroy the railroads, which would ultimately destroy the supply line for the Union troops.
The reality is that this battle took a huge toll on General ’s army. The day of the battle was extremely hot and stifling. The heat was starting to wear down his army. In addition to these extreme conditions, they were lacking on food and liquid. Their supply had dwindled down to nothing more than worm infested crackers and coffee. All of this caused his army to become weak, making it difficult to overtake Forrest’s army.
Panic and fear were very likely coursing through both the Union and the Confederate soldiers during this battle. While they stood firmly in their beliefs that the war they were waging was all important, it can’t be unthought of that they are merely human and knew that they were being faced with death, not only in the rush of oncoming gunfire but in daily life as well. Most civil war encampments were infested with lice and contaminated drinking water, which lead to dysentery. Many soldiers died not from battle, but from diseases.
The grounds of the Tupelo National Battlefield are a far cry from what they once were over 100 years ago. Where many young men once fought, there now walk men and women of all ages. A battlefield that was once tread upon by hundreds of men who were likely farmers in their everyday life is now visited by lawyers, factory workers, homemakers, engineers, secretaries, students and construction workers. The small patch of land is now bustling with the sounds of conversations, tours, and passing cars but was once filled with the sounds of shouting, horses, gunfire, drums, and canons.
The impact of this battle on our country’s history, and on the Civil War specifically, was huge. Ensuring that there was a supply line intact for the Union troops was a vital necessity. This battle helped to abolish slavery and change our country as we know it. In fact, without this battle the Union may not have been victorious and the entire country as we know it could still be in a pre- Civil War era laden with slavery and strife between states.
With modern society still debating the question, “what was the Civil War REALLY about?” individuals can benefit from the Tupelo National Battlefield in many ways. In addition to old artifacts, there is a lot of great information and important history to be learned here. Inside the one-acre battlefield visitors can expect to learn about key elements to our countries foundation and visit informative memorials.
“Mississippi’s final stands in the Civil War were fought in and around Tupelo. We have interpreted this area’s Civil War story through the Tupelo National Battlefield site…and the Mississippi’s Final Stands Interpretive Center,” comments Neal McCoy, Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director. “Visitors can walk the hallowed ground and gain a deeper understanding of what occurred here during this pivotal time in our country’s history.”
The Civil War ended so many years ago and we, as a country, are now so focused on our present situation, economy, and army that we tend to forget the impact of battles fought in the past. This battleground brings to life the impact of the Civil War, as well as the reason it was fought. It also reminds us that slavery, and this war, were once very real and not just something we read about in history books during school. That is the power of a place like Tupelo National Battlefield…and one we should respect.
Lindsay Roundtree
Pursuing a degree in Psychology at the University Of Utah, Lindsay has written for The Underground Barber. She enjoys coffee, hiking and cooking
Make Sure To Stay At:
Tombigbee State Park, which is located just six miles south of Tupelo, Mississippi and offers the finest in outdoor recreation opportunities minutes from one of Mississippi's premier shopping, dining, and entertainment areas.