In April of 1862, the Confederate Army, under command of Beauregard, after its defeat at Shiloh falls back to Corinth, Mississippi and digs in. By April 30, 1862, the Union forces had amassed 120,000 men and began a "seige" of Corinth (a vital rail center) and the 56,000 Confederates entrenched in five miles of earthworks surrounding the town. After 30 days Beauregard evacuates Corinth, retreating to Tupelo and the Union takes over Corinth. Beauregard is replaced by Bragg and troops on both sides are redeloyed to Chattanooga, Vicksburg and other hot spots. The remaining Confederates in Tupelo try to retake Corinth in September commencing with a battle at Iuka, 20 miles east of Corinth. The main fighting at Corinth takes place on Oct 3 and 4, 1862, with advances by the Confederates into the town where fighting in the streets ensued, however the attack was finally repulsed and the Union forces held the town.
The Curlee House, now a museum, was known as the "Veranda House" during the Civil War where it served as headquaters for several generals, including Halleck, Bragg, VanDorn, Hood, and Dodge. General Johnston drafted the order for the Confederate attack on Shiloh in General's Bragg's room in the house (before the Battle for Corinth).
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