Location: Selmer
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Selmer is a town in McNairy County, Tennessee, in the southwestern part of the state. The population was 4,541 at the 2000 census and estimated at 4,488 at the 2015 census. It is the county seat of McNairy County. It is named after Selma, Alabama.
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1. Shiloh National Military Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 640 reviews
Park honoring the Civil War battle at Shiloh and containing the cemetery where the fallen soldiers were buried.
Reviewed By ElaineAndGreg - Chesterland, Ohio
Even those without a strong interest in history of likely heard of Shiloh, and those studying the Civil War are likely familiar with it. For either group, visiting this site will give you keen insight into the events of 1862, the bravery of those who were there, and the progress of the battle itself.
Shiloh would likely be far more visited if it were in a more populous area, but that is also an asset as it is not crowded and is relatively unspoiled. Even if you are not all that interested in the battle, the scenery is quite nice.
We read up on the battle before coming here (specifically Winston Groom's Shiloh 1862, which reads easily and has helpful maps). Even if you don't, they have a very good film about the two-day battle here that will give you the background you need.
In a nutshell, from the north, General Ulysses S. Grant, early in his civil war career, stopped here to consolidate his army with that of Don Carlos Buell before moving on the confederate rail hub in Corinth Mississippi, just to the south. On the confederate side, General Albert Sidney Johnson was anxious to stop Grant and sought to attack him before the two union armies could unite.
The south under Jackson attacked Grant's army early in the morning of Sunday, April 6, 1862. During the course of the day, through fierce fighting and massive losses on both sides, the southerners pushed the union forces back to an area called Pittsburgh Landing on the Tennessee River. The next day they were surprised, however, when Grant counter-attacked with fresh troops and drove them back south beyond their initial positions.
The battle was significant for several reasons. Strategically, it enabled Grant's union army to move south, disrupting the south's rail and transport and ultimately leading to Vicksburg a year or so later, cutting the Confederacy in half.
The battle was incredibly bloody, with more losses those two days than the country had sustained in all prior wars combined. Sadly, it was only the first of many such days to come, and was a wake-up call to both sides the the Civil War would be extremely expensive in lives.
The battlefield is about five square miles, and because of the course of two days most of it was occupied by one army or the other at some point.
After seeing the video, there is a driving tour of 13 miles - you basically criss-cross the battlefield as you trace the events of the two days. There are markers all over the field for all three armies (the south, Grant's, and Buell's - which arrived for the second day).
We took the NPS map from the visitor's center and followed the driving tour. There are stops on average about every half mile with excellent maps and explanations. There is also an app with a tour - we'd recommend downloading it ahead of time for speed, but if I recall correctly there is wifi at the visitor center.
It took us about 3 hours to take the tour, which was easy, with many interesting stops. Again, we thought that the newer plaques at the designated stops were terrific. We had no trouble finding things. If you have any question about the direction of the battle, I'd recommend using the compass on your smart phone as things mostly ran between north and south (although early on, due to faulty intelligence, even the confederate leaders mistook how the union lines were situated).
Along the way there are some Indian mounds that are worth a stop and the short walk. There is a wooden staircase and platform on one (with a helpful map), but frankly it's in need of repair or replacement, so watch your step.
The park is very well preserved, so fields are basically where they were in 1862 and woods are also where they were. One thing I found amazing was how much of the battlefield was wooded, so that the two sides often could not see each other until one opened fire. In particular, you'll want to see the Hornet's Nest, where one union group held off the confederate troops for several hours of fierce fighting.
All in all, this is an important site that has been very well preserved and is extremely well presented. Give yourself some time and you will have a very enjoyable and informative trip.
2. Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 271 reviews
Reviewed By grand33 - Denver, Colorado
With a tour group on the day after Shiloh. Reminds you of the reason for Shiloh to start with, and highlights often forgotten hardships in small towns long after the nearby battles were over. Be sure to get a detailed explanation of the beautiful courtyard fountain, it has special significance in that war. Our park ranger guide, Tom Parsons, was awesome!
3. Pinson Mounds State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By jandc5744 - Pinellas Park, Florida, USA
We stopped here late in the day, which was unfortunate, because there's so much to see. Also, the week between Christmas and New Year's the museum is closed (it was this past year, anyway). We were limited to going up Saul's Mound, which is the...MoreWe are glad you were able to explore a little of the park and take in some of its wonderful historical features. The views are amazing! We hope you can come back and spend more time here and perhaps see the museum.
4. Chickasaw State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By emmabrowneyes57 - Newbern, Tennessee
We rented a two bedroom cabin. Twin beds in first bedroom and full size in second bedroom. Did not use sofa bed in front room. Smelled fireplace each time front door was opened, so fireplace does work. Too HOT to try it. Did grill out first night. Used copper sheets over top of grill so did not actually put food on very very dirty grill. It's a park grill. Used fire ring to roast marshmallows and had fun. One bath with tub. Bring cleaning supplies and dishwashing detergent. Roach in sink last morning but folks it is camping. Brick floors and beautiful wood walls and ceilings. You can tell it was made in a time when craftsmanship was important to builders. The front door was about 5 " thick. Beautiful work. If you like cool A/C. Get cabin 11. The unit outside was enormous! And the cabin was 70 degrees when it was in the 90s outside. My grandchildren loved the playground at the bottom of the hill and this cabin was far enough away from the water that I did not have to worry about our 3 year old. Family enjoyed but alas "camping" is not for granny.
5. Big Hill Pond State Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Canesfan16 - Tampa, FL
Plenty of bike paths and area to explore. Never seems to be all that busy, good way to pass some time in the area.
6. Buford Pusser Home and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
The Buford Pusser Home and Museum stands as a moment in time, as if waiting for Sheriff Buford Pusser to return home from another shift serving the public. The modest brick ranch home contains the original furnishings, photos, cars, guns and memorabilia of the Pusser family. Buford Pusser was the subject of several major motion pictures. The "Walking Tall" movies tell about his life and tragic death.
Reviewed By MsSarah - Texas
With family in law enforcement, and having seen the Walking Tall movie in the 70’s, it was interesting to visit this museum. Nice little movie at the beginning which gives his history, if you’re not familiar with the story. His home is preserved with original furniture, photos and tons of memorabilia, including his cars. Our lovely guide was knowledgeable, and you have time to wander around and look at whatever most interests you. The little gift shop has all kinds of souvenirs.
7. Tennessee River Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By GreenUnicorn - Southern NJ
This museum would not be at the top of my list for starting off the day, but after visiting Shiloh, it definitely added to our overall understanding of the area with its wide array of exhibits including Civil War and pottery. Very friendly staff! We came on the 20th of the month, and we were the first people from New Jersey. They were checking off each state as visitors arrived.
8. JP Coleman State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Deborah M - Columbus, Mississippi
My husband spent the weekend at this beautiful park. We have stayed in the cabins several times, but decided to try the motel room for this visit. The room had 2 queen beds, full size refrigerator and stove, microwave, sink, dishes, coffee pot, and table with 4 chairs. We also had a wonderful balcony with a view of the water. There are 16 motel rooms and all are on the second floor- no elevator. There are also townhouses available. There is plenty of parking. We had our bass boat and there was no problem with parking boats and trailers. The marina is within sight of the motel. This is a fisherman's paradise with largemouth and smallmouth bass. Pickwick Lake is located on the Tennessee River. This park is about 12 miles from the town of Iuka, MS. I highly recommend this park, especially if you like to fish.
9. Shiloh National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Cemetery honoring those who died in the Civil War battle between Union general Ulysses S. Grant and Confederate general A.S. Johnson.
Reviewed By judy177 - Cookeville, Tennessee
A place to reflect on the past and pay respect for those who lost their lives during this time. Regardless of your views and opinions on these type of sites, respect is deserved by all who battled. We all have some connection to this in some shape and way.
10. The Crossroads Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 38 reviews
Serving as the hub of historical information for the area, the Crossroads Museum invites visitors to view its permanent exhibits dealing with Civil War, Railroad, Aviation, Business/Industry and Pre-History/Archeology. Spend time in the adjacent galleries which offer special rotating exhibits. The Museum also offers a gift shop and the Margaret Greene Rogers Research Library.
Reviewed By Gary1836 - Austin, Texas
"The Crossroads Museum is at 221 N. Fillmore St in Corinth. The street signs in Corinth are not easy to find at all intersections, so just put this address into your GPS and let it take you there.
It is a small museum, but worth your time. There is a small fee, but for a local museum, it was a reasonable price. Although you probably aren't supposed to get out near the tracks, the trains run right beside the museum in all four directions. So if you happen to go around the fence to get a picture of this most import railroad intersection in the South, then be extra careful because the trains do not even slow down when they come by and the ones we saw while there were roaring through town and shook the Museum as they went by just a few yards from the Museum.
Because this is a local museum, their gift shop also has local handmade gifts as well as some artifacts found on farms in the area as the whole area of Corinth and Northeastern Mississippi, for that matter, was a battlefield all the way into Tennessee.
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