Statement of Significance (as of designation - May 6, 1991):
The 1862 Union victories in the siege (April 28-May 30) and battle (October 3-4) at Corinth figured importantly in the ebb and flow of Confederate military fortunes during that year. The Union victory in the latter episode, one of the key events in an overall reversal in the course of the war in favor of the Union, followed a summer during which a string of Confederate victories appeared to presage recognition by the United Kingdom. After the renewed Union successes in the early fall, including that at Corinth, this prospect slipped out of the Confederacy's hands. A number of major Union and Confederate leaders were engaged in the actions at Corinth. Today, among other elements, there remain well-preserved lines of earthworks; batteries; rifle pits; four houses used as military headquarters during the engagements; and the Corinth National Cemetery, where more than 5,600 Civil War interments, most of them unknown, were made.

Condition:
Continuing threat from commercial development pressures.

Discovery of large sections of Civil War earthworks, other historical resources, and historical research indicate the need to resurvey the area and update the National Historic Landmark nomination. Many areas of the battlefield are under threat by sale for commercial use. The Mississippi Legislature and the Civil War Preservation Trust have worked together in the acquisition of 650+ acres of this battlefield.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
Remaining critical areas of the 19,000 acre battlefield need to be acquired to protect them. The NHL nomination needs to be restudied to include newly identified resources within the Landmark boundary. Public education efforts should be carried out to provide the general public with an appreciation of the Civil War resources in their community.