September 19, 1862
As part of a larger Confederate offensive move into Kentucky, Confederate General Braxton Bragg ordered Major General Sterling Price, former governor of Missouri and victor of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, to march into Iuka to prevent Union Major General William S. Rosecrans from moving into Tennessee to reinforce a Union garrison at Nashville, thus potentially threatening Bragg’s forces.
Union Major General Ulysses S. Grant, commanding the Army of the Tennessee, feared that Price was moving to reinforce Bragg’s forces in Kentucky. Grant devised a plan to catch Price’s forces in a pincher movement in Iuka. Grant ordered Major General E. O. C. Ord to advance on Iuka from the west. Rosecran’s forces were to advance on Iuka from the southwest and make a coordinated attack on Price. Ord arrived on time but Rosecrans was delayed. Grant ordered Ord to await the sound of fighting between Rosecrans and Price before engaging the Confederates. Rosecrans arrived about mid-afternoon atop a ridge near Iuka and immediately engaged the Confederates.
Price posted two divisions north of Iuka to oppose Ord and was surprised by Rosecrans’ sudden appearance in his rear. The Confederates launched an attack and captured a six-gun Union battery while Rosecrans attacked from atop the ridge. Price reported that he had “never seen such fighting.” The battle raged even after darkness fell.
The Battle of Iuka was one of the bloodiest battles up to that time, with Union casualities of 782 out of a force of 4,500 and Confederate casualities of 1,516 out of a force of 3,200. Confederate Brigadier General Henry Little was also killed in action at the Battle of Iuka. Remarkably, neither Ord nor Grant heard the sounds of the battle due to what is known as “acoustic shadow.” Price’s army was able to escape during the night to join Major General Earl Van Dorn at Ripley. Union forces occupied Iuka and mounted an unsuccessful pursuit of Price.
Union forces carried the day but failed to capture or destroy Price’s forces. Price and Van Dorn in October 1862 launched an assault on Corinth which also resulted in a Union victory.
Jacinto Couthouse is located in the ghost town of Jacinto on Highway 356 in Alcorn County. This 1854 courthouse was once the county seat of government of old Tishomingo County when the county included Alcorn, Prentiss, and Tishomingo Counties. Jacinto Courthouse is one of the South’s most impressive examples of federal-style architecture. The hipped roof is topped with an octagonal cupola. The foundation is constructed of hand-cut stone. Each brick used in the building is hand-made and each board hand-hewn. Each year Jacinto Courthose becomes the site of an old fashioned 4th of July Festival. No admission charge. Grounds are open year around.
Church of Our Savior is an 1873 board and batten Carpenter Gothic Episcopal Church purchased and restored by local citizens in 1985. It is available for weddings and other events at a nominal charge. Up until 1958, downtown Iuka was known as the “Marriage Capital of the South” because no waiting period or blood tests were required. Over 45,000 marriages were performed at the Old Courthouse.
Woodall Mountain is the highest elevation in Mississippi at 806 feet. Follow signs from Highway 25 south of Iuka to County Road 187 to County Road 176 to County Road 185, the scenic gravel drive to the top of Woodall Mountain. Woodall Mountain is know as America’s bloodiest high point because of the 1862 Battle of Iuka, one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War up to that time. Up to 300,000 troops passed through the area during the Civil War. Iuka was a popular mustering out location due to the plentiful springs and healthful climate.
Iuka Pioneer Log Cabin is an 1879 log and native stone dogtrot pioneer cabin located in Mineral Springs Park, Iuka, Mississippi.
Mineral Springs Park is a world famous mineral springs named after Chickasaw Chief Iuka. Its water won the 1902 World’s Fair prize for best mineral water. Playground, pavilion, historic dogtrot log cabin, picnic area, walking track, skateboard facility, tennis courts, veteran’s memorial, and meeting facility are all available. It is located on East Quitman Street at Indian Springs Drive, Iuka, Mississippi.
Bear Creek Canoe Trip is a 6.25 mile float trip through Bear Creek Canyon. Two trips per day at 9 AM and 1 PM. Canoe rentals April until mid-October and is located in Tishomingo State Park.
With the northern terminus in Tishomingo County, the 459 mile waterway connects the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico. The Tenn-Tom Waterway is the largest construction project in Corps of Engineers history, requiring more earth-moving than the Panama Canal. Some of the recreational facilities along the Tenn-Tom Waterway and 6,600 acre Bay Springs Lake include:
Pharr Mounds is located at milepost 286.7 along the Natchez Trace Parkway. It is a 90 acre complex of eight burial mounds built 1,800 to 2,000 years ago. It was a trading hub and very active during its time.
Cave Spring is located on the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 308.4. You won’t want to miss this limestone cave and spring with 800 foot paved nature trail in part of the collapsed part of the cave. Bear Creek Indian Mound is located nearby.
Pickwick Lake and Bay Springs Lake are famous for scenic beauty such as 50 foot Cooper Falls located on Pickwick Lake just north of J. P. Coleman State Park. Accessible only by boat.
Shiloh Falls Golf Club was designed by Jerry Pate. This golfing masterpiece includes an 18 hole championship golf course, driving range, 55 foot waterfall, short game practice area, full service clubhouse and pro shop. Other facilities are available to members only. Homes and lots for sale.
