James Jourdan Grave on the Brices Crossroads Battlefield Tour
BRICES CROSSROADS BATTLEFIELD TOUR STOP 11
To reach the James Jourdan Grave and Retreat Route stop on the Brices Crossroads Battlefield Tour, when leaving the Tishomingo Creek Bridge stop, turn right on Highway 166, then left on Highway 168. A parking area for the grave site is on the left side of the road.
James Jourdan was a Confederate soldier who was killed during the pursuit of the fleeing Union troops. Jourdan died on the property of the Phillips family and was buried where he fell. Two cedar trees now grow at his grave.
It was through this area that Confederate Captain John Morton, who from Log Cabin Knoll led the artillery bombardment of the Union soldiers as they attempted to cross Tishomingo Creek, gave chase to the retreating Union army with his artillery in tow. Unlike standard artillery units, the ones attached to General Forrest’s cavalry were termed “horse artillery.” All members of the gun crew had their own horses and rode into battle on them, making them much faster and mobile than standard artillery units. In fact, General Forrest ordered Morton to make a charge with artillery while unsupported by infantry or other cavalry units, something rarely, if ever, done. Morton rolled his cannons up to within sixty yards of the Union troops, who had temporarily regrouped and formed a battle line near this area, but as soon as the cannon opened, fire they turned and ran once more. It was during this pursuit that Jourdan was killed.
Though I did not notice it during my visit, there is a .3-mile trail that leads to two more Confederate graves: privates Henry King and A. J. Smith. The trailhead is located between the two wayside exhibits in the parking lot. It follows the original road bed used during the retreat and connects to the last stop on the battlefield tour, White House Ridge, so you can walk instead of driving if you want some exercise. Allow a half hour for the out-and-back hike.
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Last updated on February 3, 2024
