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Some Of The Coolest Places To Visit In Fort Pillow TennesseeFort Pillow Tennessee
One of the coolest places to visit in western Tennessee is Fort Pillow, location of the Fort Pillow Massacre.
Now a State Historic Park and Wildlife Conservation Area, Fort Pillow was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War and is surrounded by controversy. Military historian David J. Eicher wrote, “Fort Pillow marked one of the bleakest, saddest events of American military history.” The question remains: Was there an intentional massacre of the Colored Troops by the Confederate army?
Fort Pillow was originally built by Confederate troops in 1861, and consisted of extensive fortifications on the Chicasaw Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, an important supply route in and out of Memphis, about 40 river miles to the south. They named Fort Pillow Tennessee after General Gideon J. Pillow, who came from Maury County. The Confederate troops evacuated Fort Pillow on June 4, 1862, and it was occupied by the Union Army, and controlled it until the infamous battle.
On April 12, 1864, Confederate Commander Bedford Forrest, with about 2,500 men from the 1st Division, Cavalry Corps, attacked the Union soldiers at Fort Pillow. The Union troops consisted of about 600 men, the whites mostly young and from Tennessee, and the U.S. Colored light Artillery and Heavy Artillery, both under Major Lionel F. Booth. When Booth was killed early in the battle, Major William F. Bradford took command.
Within hours the Confederates had overrun the fort and forced the Union troops down the embankment where all but about 60 of the Colored Troops were killed. “Remember Fort Pillow” became a rallying cry for Union soldiers, especially those in the Colored Troops.
You can read more of the history at the museum, which is free, open from 8 am until 4pm daily, but closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. The artifacts and interpretive displays will explain the battle. If you prefer, one of the park’s interpreters will take you on a tour of the museum and grounds.
In addition to the battle site and memorial, Fort Pillow also offers 1,642 acres of beautiful countryside along the Chicasaw Bluffs. If you bring your own fishing boat or canoe, you can use the public ramp to the 15-acre lake. Fish in the lake include catfish, crapple, bream, and bass; you’ll need to bring your Tennessee fishing license along.
Camping is a popular activity at Fort Pillow. There are 38 tent campsites with grills and picnic tables and two nearby bathhouses. You can also follow a 5-mile trail to backcountry camping, if that’s more your thing, but remember to get your permit first.
You can pack a picnic lunch for your trip and eat at a designated area that overlooks Fort Pillow Lake. Nearby are restrooms, a water fountain, grills, and a playground.
As a Wildlife Conservation Area, Fort Pillow has identification and explanatory signs about the deer, turkey, wild birds, and other fauna of the area. The park is bordered by the Anderson-Tully Wildlife Management Area, which can also be visited. You can read more about the battle in Harry Turtledove’s 2006 historical novel, Fort Pillow.
Fort Pillow State Historic Park 3122 Park Rd., Henning, TN 38041 731/738-5581 http://state.tn/us/environment/parks/FortPillow/ 8 am – sunset, year-round
Nearby: Memphis Mississippi River Graceland Lower Hatchie Wildlife Refuge
After touring the fort and the park at Fort Pillow Tennessee, you can stay nearby at either the Comfort Inn Covington (901 US 51 N, Covington, TN 38019; 901/475-0380; about $70-$99/night), or the Days Inn Covington (80 Deena Cove, Covington, TN 38019; 901/475-1177; about $58-$109/night). Return From Fort Pillow Tennessee To PlacesTo Visit In America
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