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Corinth: Mississippi's Crossroads of Heritage

Explore the historical significance, cultural richness, and community spirit of Corinth, Mississippi, the renowned "Crossroads of the South."

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Corinth: An Overview

Location and Identity

Corinth is a city situated in Alcorn County, Mississippi, United States. It serves as the county seat and is strategically positioned near the state line with Tennessee. Known affectionately as the "Crossroads of the South," Corinth's identity is deeply intertwined with its pivotal location at the intersection of major railroad lines and its significant role during the American Civil War.

Foundational History

Established in 1853, Corinth was initially named Cross City due to its location at the junction of the Mobile & Ohio and Memphis & Charleston railroads. It was later renamed Corinth, drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek city renowned for its strategic crossroads. This naming foreshadowed its future importance and the conflicts it would witness.

Community Profile

As of the 2020 census, Corinth had a population of 14,622 residents. The city is characterized by a diverse demographic makeup, reflecting the broader tapestry of Mississippi. Its community life is supported by local government, educational institutions, and cultural organizations, contributing to its unique regional character.

A Pivotal Past

Railroad Nexus

Corinth's very existence and early growth were driven by its strategic position as a major railroad junction. The convergence of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad and the Memphis & Charleston Railroad made it a vital transportation hub, facilitating commerce and troop movements, particularly during the tumultuous period of the American Civil War.

Civil War Significance

The city played a critical role during the Civil War. Following the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862, Confederate forces under General P.G.T. Beauregard retreated to Corinth. Union forces, led by Major General Henry W. Halleck, pursued cautiously, resulting in the month-long "Siege of Corinth." The city was eventually occupied by Union troops. The Second Battle of Corinth occurred in October 1862 when Confederate forces attempted to recapture the strategically vital location. Corinth also became a significant destination for formerly enslaved people seeking refuge, with well-regarded "contraband" camps established.

Historic Register Sites

Corinth boasts numerous sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its rich heritage. These include fortifications from the Civil War like Battery Williams and Fort Robinette, historic structures such as the Coliseum Theatre and the Dr. Joseph M. Bynum House, and significant districts like the Downtown Corinth Historic District. These sites offer tangible connections to the city's past.

  • Battery Williams (Fort Williams)
  • Siege and Battle of Corinth Sites
  • Coliseum Theatre
  • Corinth National Cemetery
  • Downtown Corinth Historic District
  • Dr. Joseph M. Bynum House
  • Federal Siege Trench (Harper Road Trench)
  • Fort Robinette (Battery Robinette)
  • Jacinto Courthouse (Old Tishomingo County Courthouse)
  • L.C. Steele House
  • Midtown Corinth Historic District
  • Moores Creek site (prehistoric Native American site)
  • Old U.S. Post Office
  • Rienzi Commercial Historic District
  • Thomas F. Dilworth House
  • Union Battery F, Battle of Corinth
  • Union Earthworks
  • Veranda House (Curlee House)

Geographic Context

Key Intersections

Corinth is strategically located in northeast Mississippi at the intersection of U.S. Route 45 (running north-south) and U.S. Route 72 (running east-west). US 45 bypasses the city to the west, connecting it to Selmer, Tennessee, to the north and Booneville, Mississippi, to the south. US 72 passes through the southern part of the city, linking it to Burnsville, Mississippi, to the southeast and Walnut, Mississippi, to the west.

Regional Setting

The city is the county seat of Alcorn County, which is notable for being the smallest county by area in the state of Mississippi. Corinth's total area is approximately 30.29 square miles (78.44 kmยฒ), with a small percentage comprising water.

Waterways

Several small creeks flow through or near Corinth, including Bridge Creek, Elam Creek, Phillips Creek, and Turner Creek, contributing to the local watershed.

Local Climate

Subtropical Conditions

Corinth experiences a humid subtropical climate (Kรถppen: Cfa), typical for Mississippi. This climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Interestingly, the region experiences frequent and regular, albeit usually light, occurrences of snow, which is somewhat unusual for the state's climate profile.

Temperature and Precipitation

Average daily high temperatures range from the low 50s ยฐF (around 10ยฐC) in January to the low 90s ยฐF (around 32ยฐC) in July. Average daily low temperatures range from the low 30s ยฐF (around 0ยฐC) in winter to the high 60s ยฐF (around 20ยฐC) in summer. Annual precipitation is substantial, averaging nearly 59 inches (1,494 mm), distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, with slightly higher amounts in winter and spring.

Climate data for Corinth, Mississippi (1991โ€“2020 normals, extremes 1895โ€“present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high ยฐF (ยฐC) 80
(27)
86
(30)
89
(32)
97
(36)
100
(38)
106
(41)
111
(44)
110
(43)
105
(41)
96
(36)
88
(31)
80
(27)
111
(44)
Mean daily maximum ยฐF (ยฐC) 49.2
(9.6)
54.0
(12.2)
63.0
(17.2)
72.6
(22.6)
80.2
(26.8)
86.9
(30.5)
90.0
(32.2)
89.7
(32.1)
84.5
(29.2)
73.7
(23.2)
61.4
(16.3)
52.1
(11.2)
71.4
(21.9)
Daily mean ยฐF (ยฐC) 39.8
(4.3)
43.7
(6.5)
51.6
(10.9)
60.5
(15.8)
69.2
(20.7)
76.5
(24.7)
79.9
(26.6)
78.9
(26.1)
72.5
(22.5)
61.0
(16.1)
49.6
(9.8)
42.6
(5.9)
60.5
(15.8)
Mean daily minimum ยฐF (ยฐC) 30.4
(โˆ’0.9)
33.5
(0.8)
40.1
(4.5)
48.4
(9.1)
58.2
(14.6)
66.0
(18.9)
69.7
(20.9)
68.0
(20.0)
60.5
(15.8)
48.2
(9.0)
37.7
(3.2)
33.2
(0.7)
49.5
(9.7)
Record low ยฐF (ยฐC) โˆ’19
(โˆ’28)
โˆ’6
(โˆ’21)
9
(โˆ’13)
25
(โˆ’4)
35
(2)
43
(6)
51
(11)
47
(8)
33
(1)
21
(โˆ’6)
4
(โˆ’16)
โˆ’6
(โˆ’21)
โˆ’19
(โˆ’28)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 4.89
(124)
5.01
(127)
5.42
(138)
5.54
(141)
5.67
(144)
5.02
(128)
4.57
(116)
3.57
(91)
4.12
(105)
4.26
(108)
4.43
(113)
6.32
(161)
58.82
(1,494)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 0.4
(1.0)
0.3
(0.76)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.7
(1.8)
Source: NOAA[9][10]

Community Demographics

Population Trends

Corinth's population has seen steady growth over the decades. In 2020, the city recorded 14,622 residents. The population density stands at approximately 484.8 persons per square mile (187.18 per kmยฒ), reflecting a well-established urban center within its county.

Ethnic Composition (2020)

The racial and ethnic makeup of Corinth in 2020 was as follows:

  • White: 64.81%
  • Black or African American: 24.42%
  • Hispanic or Latino: 6.02%
  • Asian: 0.83%
  • Other/Mixed Races: 3.63%
  • Native American: 0.23%
  • Pacific Islander: 0.07%

In 2000, the population was 14,054. The racial makeup was 76.28% White, 21.60% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 0.84% from other races, and 0.73% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals constituted 1.73% of the population.

Household data from 2000 indicated an average household size of 2.19, with 38.9% non-family households. The median age was 40 years.

Educational Landscape

Public School Districts

Corinth is served by two primary public school districts, ensuring educational opportunities for its youth:

  • Corinth School District: Includes Corinth High School (grades 9-12), Corinth Middle School (grades 5-8), and Corinth Elementary School (grades K-4). Easom High School also has historical significance.
  • Alcorn School District: Serves surrounding areas with institutions like Alcorn Central High School, Alcorn Central Middle School, Alcorn Central Elementary School, Biggersville High School, Biggersville Elementary School, and Kossuth High School, Middle, and Elementary Schools.

Libraries and Resources

The Corinth Public Library, part of the Northeast Regional Library System, provides essential resources and community programming for residents, fostering literacy and lifelong learning.

Cultural Attractions

Museums and Heritage

Corinth preserves its heritage through several key cultural institutions. The Northeast Mississippi Museum, the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center (part of the National Park Service), the Artist Guild Museum and Shop, the Museum of Southern Culture, and the Black History Museum offer diverse insights into the region's history, art, and social fabric.

Local Identity

The city's cultural identity is also reflected in its notable people, including musicians, authors, and historical figures. The mention of the "Slugburger" hints at unique local culinary traditions, contributing to the distinct flavor of Corinth's heritage.

Artistic and Musical Contributions

Corinth has been home to various artists and musicians, contributing to the broader cultural landscape. Figures like songwriter Bobby Emmons, poet Etheridge Knight, and musicians Jimbo Mathus and Jack Yarber, along with the band Saving Abel, highlight the creative spirit nurtured in the region.

Connectivity and Access

Major Highways

Corinth's "Crossroads" moniker is reinforced by its excellent highway infrastructure. Key routes include U.S. Route 45 and U.S. Route 72, providing vital north-south and east-west connections. Mississippi Highway 2 and Mississippi Highway 145 also serve the area, enhancing regional accessibility.

Air Travel

For air travel, Corinth is served by the Roscoe Turner Airport (KCRX), a general aviation facility. The nearest airports offering scheduled commercial flights are Tupelo Regional Airport, approximately 54 miles south, and Memphis International Airport, about 90 miles west, providing broader connectivity.

Notable Residents

Figures of Influence

Corinth has been the birthplace or home to numerous individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields. These include federal judges like Neal Brooks Biggers Jr. and Orma Rinehart Smith, politicians such as U.S. Congressman Ezekiel S. Candler Jr. and Illinois State Representative Peggy Smith Martin, and authors like Frances Gaither and Thomas Hal Phillips.

  • Bert Cumby, Army intelligence officer
  • Larry Dorsey, football coach
  • Bobby Emmons, songwriter and keyboardist
  • Steve Gaines, pastor
  • George Grace, linguist
  • Philip Henson, scout and spy
  • Etheridge Knight, poet
  • Jimbo Mathus, musician
  • Thomas K. McCraw, educator
  • Maty Noyes, singer
  • John F. Osborne, editor and journalist
  • Rubel Phillips, politician
  • Thomas Hal Phillips, author
  • J.E. Pitts, poet and songwriter
  • Saving Abel, rock band
  • Everett Sharp, football player
  • Jackie Simpson, professional football player
  • John Benjamin Splann, Mississippi state senator
  • Roscoe Turner, aviator
  • Jack Yarber, musician

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References

References

  1.  U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Corinth, Mississippi
A full list of references for this article are available at the Corinth, Mississippi Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

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