This Mississippi Town Has The Most Walkable Downtown

There are many reasons to walk the streets of downtown Corinth. Firstly, the streets are covered with historic homes and buildings, some of which are open to the public, like the Verandah-Curlee House; it is the birthplace of the famous Slugburger; and the town’s history is deeply rooted in both the Civil War and the Railroad industry, which is epitomized by such locations as the Crossroads Museum. Corinth has plenty to see and do, and best of all, you don't need to rely on public transport or even venture farther than downtown. All you need to explore this Mississippi town is a reliable pair of walking shoes.

Jackson Street's Civil War Landmarks

Downtown Corinth revolves around North Fillmore Street and the railroad crossover point. North Fillmore Street branches into other notable downtown streets, such as Foote, Jackson, Wick, and East Waldron.

Start your day on Jackson Street with a stop at the Verandah-Curlee House, which was constructed by one of the town’s founders in 1857. In 1971, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the Civil War, it served as a base for several generals. The house has since been restored and renovated into a museum, which is open for tours five days a week. The guided tours will take visitors through the house's rooms, painting a picture of civilian and military life during the early years of the Civil War. This experience is further enhanced by 19th-century antiques, paintings, and replicas of Civil War soldiers’ furnishings scattered throughout the home.

For a more in-depth look at Corinth’s significance in the Civil War, the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center will detail its key role. The center encompasses 15,000 square feet and is packed with interactive exhibits illustrating the causes of the war, multimedia presentations on the battles of Shiloh and Corinth, and a courtyard water feature that tells the story of the United States from 1770 to 1870.

North Fillmore Street

So, why did Corinth play such a key role in the Civil War? The answer is down to a critical railroad junction in town located on North Fillmore Street. The Memphis and Charleston Railroad intersected with the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, which, in turn, made Corinth a crucial line for troop transportation, supply delivery, and communication. In fact, the Battle of Shiloh and the subsequent Battle of Corinth were part of the Federal Army's effort to take control of the railway crossroads.

The Crossroads Museum immerses visitors in an educational experience that explores the significance of the crossroads in the Civil War. Not only is the museum located by the railroad crossover, but it also features a vintage train caboose and a Civil War cannon in the courtyard.

Try a Slugburger on East Waldron Street

But Corinth is more than just a significant site for United States history; it is also responsible for producing the Slugburger. After leaving the Crossroads Museum, head up North Fillmore Street and turn right onto East Waldron Street for a taste of the Slugburger. The Slugburger is composed of ground pork, soy flour, and spices, a cost-saving measure during the Great Depression. One of the best places in Corinth to try a Slugburger is at Borroum’s Drug Store, which is Mississippi’s oldest continuously-operating drug store and home to its antique soda fountain.

Speaking of soda, Corinth is home to one of less than 70 independently owned Coca-Cola bottlers in the United States. The Corinth Coca-Cola Museum showcases more than 1,000 pieces of Coca-Cola memorabilia, including a collection of vintage drink machines. It is just a few blocks away from Borroum's Drug Store, back on Washington Street.

Catch a Show

End your day with a show at the Corinth Coliseum on Taylor Street, often referred to as the Coliseum Theatre. This historic performing arts venue was built in 1924 and has been entertaining people from Corinth ever since. Its claim to fame comes from its status as the largest theatre edifice in north Mississippi and its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Initially, it hosted live performative acts and screened silent films until the mid-1970s, when it exclusively operated as a movie theatre. Then, in the 1980s, it began hosting concerts, theatrical performances, and community gatherings.

Tour Northern Mississippi

If you feel like touring north Mississippi, there are plenty of towns that are easily accessible from Corinth, such as Tupelo, which is an hour south. Tupelo has a cultural heritage of its own, known for being the birthplace of Elvis Presley. The Elvis Presley Birthplace and Park includes a statue of him when he was thirteen, the chapel where he and his family attended church services, and the two-room house built by Elvis’ father, grandfather, and uncle.

New Albany is the same distance southwest, surrounded by north Mississippi’s gently rolling hills, along the Tallahatchie River. The best way to enjoy the river is at New Albany’s largest park, Park Along the River. Stretching a mile in length, the park is packed full of amenities, including a playground, pavilion, picnic tables, bathrooms, an arena which hosts concerts and events, and the park itself is laced with walking trails.

Iuka, which is just 30 minutes west of Corinth, has its own historical connections to the Civil War. The Old Tishomingo County Courthouse Museum grants insight into the town’s past, specifically the Battle of Iuka, being a focal point. This 1870 building houses a collection of Civil War artifacts, which includes documents and photographs.

Mississippi's Most Walkable Downtown

Corinth has so much to see, from soaking up Civil War history at the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center to tasting the famous Slugburger that was born in the city. Whatever type of traveler you are, history buff, foodie, or arts lover, you are bound to find something that piques your interest in Corinth. But if you want to see neighboring towns like Tupelo, which gave birth to a cultural icon, or Iuka, which has its own Civil War history, then you can do that, too. Regardless of the experience you seek in Corinth, you will find it easily on foot without having to travel more than a few blocks.