Battle of Old Town Creek July 15, 1864

Battle of Old Town Creek Site

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

4154 Mt Vernon Rd, Tupelo, Mississippi

Significance:

Second day of the Battle of Tupelo

MANAGED BY:

Mississippi Final Stands Interpretative Center

Amenities

4 listed

Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information - Maps Available, Parking - Auto

At 2 p.m. on July 15, 1864, after skirmishing with Confederates on the western and southern fronts, the Federals began marching north in the direction of Memphis. They 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 Federals scrambled and formed a line that pushed the Confederates off the ridge and forced them to retreat to Harrisburg. The fight at Old Town Creek ended the Battle of Tupelo. Among the casualties was Forrest himself, who was kept out of action for three weeks.

To learn more about the Battle of Tupelo and the surrounding area check out the Parkway Visitor Center on the Natchez Trace Parkway.