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Tupelo National BattlefieldTupelo National Battlefield is located along Main Street in Tupelo, Mississippi.
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Tupelo National Battlefield

In June of 1864, Maj. Gen. William Sherman successfully kept Maj. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalry corps in Mississippi at the Battle of Brices Cross Roads and away from the Federal supply line in Tennessee. To keep Forrest there in July, Sherman had to order another attack.

 
The Battle of Tupelo was fought because of what was happening in north Georgia during the summer of 1864.

Why the Battle Happened

Civil War battles were never isolated incidents. They were the result of a series of events and they impacted future events. Find out why the Battle of Tupelo happened.
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The Federal decision to march to Tupelo from Pontotoc may have been the most critical of the campaign.

Leading up to the Battle

Maj. Gen. Sherman wrote that Forrest had "whipped Sturgis fair and square, and now I will put against him [Maj. Gen.] A. J. Smith . . ."
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The Federal Infantry held its ground several times at the Battle of Tupelo.

The Battle

The Battle of Tupelo was fought by more than 20,000 troops from the morning of July 14 to the evening of July 15, 1864.
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Write to

Tupelo National Battlefield
2680 Natchez Trace Parkway
Tupelo, MS 38804

E-mail Us

Phone

For more information
(800) 305-7417

Park business
(662) 680-4025

Fax

(662) 680-4034

Climate

In the summer, expect hot, humid weather, with high temperatures typically in the 90s. Expect mild winters with occasional freezing. Spring and fall are very pleasant. Call 1-800-305-7417 for current conditions.
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Nathan Bedford Forrest was hated, feared, and respected by many of his adversaries.  

Did You Know?
The July 14-15, 1864 Battle of Tupelo was the last time that Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest's famed cavalry corps fought Union infantry during the Civil War.

Last Updated: August 01, 2006 at 11:51 EST