battle of island no. 10 monument

Interesting marker for a site that is no longer there. Not much to see, but does explain the actions at Island # 10 during the Civil War !

We wanted to see the Battle of Island No. 10 Monument based on the descriptions of websites that I've read which made it seem like it was a monument telling you the story of the sunken island while you are looking over the serene lake. This is NOT the case, don't be fooled. This is a plaque in the middle of rural Tennessee. Our GPS got seriously confused because a road was closed resulting in a lengthy detour around the countryside in order to get there, and we were met with serious disappointment. Unless visiting all the civil war monuments is on your bucket list, I would skip this one.

Historic details are on plaques on a pier that extends over the river. Enjoy the view from out over the water.

In early 1862, Confederate forces fortified an island in the middle of the Mississippi River, in an attempt to stop Union gunboats from proceeding south. The military action around what was called Island No. 10 (meaning the 10th river island south of the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers) lasted about two weeks. Union forces eventually were successful in capturing the outpost. Today nothing is left of Island No. 10, because of the river itself destroyed it over time. So, a monument, with a map and text in cast iron, was located as close to the battle site as possible. That location is on Tenn. 22 north, straight out of Tiptonville, and into mainly rural farmland areas. While the monument is very informative and interesting, it is truly for the hardy Civil War buff. You do drive about five miles just to see a monument in the middle of farm land. If you are interested in the war to that detail, then you'll enjoy it. And be sure and travel nearby Tenn. 78, north out of Tiptonville for Tennessee historical roadside markers. Some of the markers are about action around Island No. 10, and others are about the creation of Reelfoot Lake. But good luck in finding a parking place on the road. Fortunately, Hwy. 78 here is not that heavily traveled. The condition of the monument can vary. I've seen it both cleaned up, and trashed up. Being isolated means its not heavily visited, and makes a good target for vandals. The monument is open during daylight hours.