Corinth Interpretive Center

I was so impressed! Whoever designed this place should win some awards.
My reason for visiting the area was to see the Shiloh battlefield. Doing some research ahead of time pointed out the Corinth Interpretive Center as a worthy adjunct. After seeing both, I would now say that Corinth is a must, and if you go to Shiloh afterward, you can skip everything in their visitor center and just take the battlefield tour.
The various displays here do a great job of providing cultural and political context of the Civil War, the strategic importance of both Corinth and Shiloh, and then of course a detailed examination of the battle – participants, tactics, supplies & munitions, aftermath, impact on the townsfolk, etc etc.
Two elements stood out: first, the media presentation on the Battle of Shiloh, which was not so much a film as a near-​immersive audio-​video experience. They project static photographs and moving footage simultaneously on seven panels set on a semi-​circular wall, with music, sound effects, and narration throughout. It does a fantastic job of illustrating the battle in about fifteen minutes. In particular, the dynamic maps were very effective. (Curiously, the presentation on the Siege of Corinth elsewhere in the museum was a more conventional and humdrum single-​screen film.)
Secondly, the memorial behind the building was beautiful and poignant and absolutely unique among anything I’ve ever seen. Even the photographs don’t do it full justice, but they work far better than my words would, so just check out the pictures. Or better yet – visit.
Kudos to the National Park Service for creating a wonderful facility that serves all levels of interest. Anyone passing through the area with a free hour or two should not miss the Corinth Interpretive Center.

If I had a child I would home school them. This is one place I would take a child for an educational outing. There are things of interest in the walk to the building.
Literally, in the walkway, there are various bronze replicas of objects that would be found in the wake of battle, including a broken sword, bent bayonet and knapsack spilling its contents, soldier cap, bullets, canteens, pistol and various items to amuse anyone and elicit conversations about the war. Curious young minds will be open for any knowledge you can provide.
The exhibit begins with a room depicting the path to war and the conditions at the time. After crossing a replica railroad track set into the floor, visitors pass through a reproduction of a Civil War-​era wooden boxcar highlighting the importance of the railroads.
The center of the Shiloh Theatre is dominated by a circular seven screen mini-​theatre which shows a movie about the battle. The battle is also depicted through maps and large, dramatic photos of the heavy fighting. The museum uses vintage photographs, large displays and interactive displays.
The center’s highlight is the unique courtyard water feature with waterfalls, pools and granite blocks. It is described in Civil War News as, «it begins with a small fountain and a large black obelisk at the north end that is inscribed with quotations from the Declaration of Independence and the Preamble to the Constitution. The American ideal of freedom and liberty cascade over a 13-​tiered wall, representing the original states.»
«The water flows through a course in which every 3.5 inches represents a year. It widens as new states join the union, slaveholding and free states on separate sides. Small waterfalls represent the compromises of 1820 and 1850. The water volume increases and falls into a second level of turbulent water representing the Civil War in 1860.»
«The water divides into two streams, as the nation did. Stone blocks represent 56 of the most significant battles, their size proportional to the number of casualties. They carry the Confederate and Union battle names. Harrell describes the „randomness and chaotic quality“ of the war that the scene represents as turbulent water surges around the blocks.»
«The streams rejoin at Appomattox, and then the turbulence is stilled by three stones representing the 13^th, 14^th and 15^th Amendments.»
In November they have the Corinth Grand Illumination Ceremony and light 12,000 luminaries memorializing the casualties from the Siege and Battle of Corinth.

A really impressive operation here, and it is absolutely free. Extensive displays, lots of contextual history about the battle at Corinth, and it’s relationship to Shiloh. Good use of video and static displays. Nice touch with the water feature near the end. This place was worth the time.

The interperative center is fantastic. The driving tour around town to see the different fortifications is kind of dissappointing. The only thing left is a worn down trench from the battles so there is not much to see. If there was not a sign to tell you what happened there, you would not even notice.
Stick to the museum and some of the houses that the generals lived in located in town.

This is a National Parks Service facility that opened in 2004 near downtown Corinth. It interprets not only the two battles of Corinth, but also chronicles the strategic importance of Corinth to the Confederacy, as well as life in Corinth before, during, and after the occupation by Union forces.
There are many exhibits, a gift shop, a research center, and restroom facilities. It’s well worth a visit if you have any interest in history or the civil war. The only thing I disliked was that the parking area is down the hill from the building. You can’t park very close to it. Also, the attendant on duty was less than personable.
The Shiloh, TN Civil War Battlefield Park is only about 20 miles away.