Fort Pillow State Historic Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Pillow State Historic Park |
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Cannons at Fort Pillow in 2006
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| Type | Tennessee State Park |
| Location | Henning, Tennessee |
| Area | 1,642 acres (6.64 km2) |
| Created | 1971 |
| Open | Year round |
| Website | Fort Pillow State Park |
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Fort Pillow
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Location | TN State Route 87, Lauderdale County, Tennessee |
| Nearest city | Osceola, Arkansas |
| Built | 1861 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001806 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | April 11, 1973 |
| Designated NHL | May 30, 1974 |
Fort Pillow State Historic Park is a special state park in western Tennessee. It helps us remember an important place from the American Civil War. This park protects the site of the Battle of Fort Pillow.
The park covers about 1,642 acres (6.6 square kilometers). It is located in Lauderdale County. The fort sits on high ground called the Chickasaw Bluffs. From here, you can see the Mississippi River. This area is very important for both history and archaeology.
In 1861, the Confederate army built strong defenses here. They named the fort after General Gideon Johnson Pillow. During the Civil War, the Union Army mostly controlled Fort Pillow. However, after the Battle of Fort Pillow, the Confederate Army took it back for a short time. The battle ended with a sad event where many African-American Union soldiers and their white officers were killed. This happened even though they tried to surrender. Confederate Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest led the soldiers who attacked. Today, the park has special areas that help visitors learn about this history.
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Fort Pillow: A Key Location in the Civil War
Fort Pillow was very important because it controlled who could travel on the Mississippi River. Because of its location, the Union Army attacked and captured it. They held it for most of the war.
Why Was Fort Pillow Important?
On June 4, 1862, Confederate troops left Fort Pillow. This allowed Union troops to take control of Memphis, Tennessee. The Union Army kept control of this site for most of the war.
The Battle of Fort Pillow: April 1864
In April 1864, the Confederate States Army fought the Union troops at the Battle of Fort Pillow. The Confederates won this battle. However, what happened next was very tragic.
Out of 262 black Union soldiers, 229 were killed. There were also 285 white Union soldiers. Records show that less than 36 percent of white soldiers died in battle. But for black soldiers, the death rate was 66 percent.
People at the time, including soldiers and journalists, described the event as a terrible slaughter. As news spread, some Confederates began to disagree with the reports of a massacre. However, historians today still call this event a massacre. It was carried out by Confederate troops under General Nathan Bedford Forrest.
Remember Fort Pillow!
After this battle, "Remember Fort Pillow!" became a powerful battle cry. Black Union soldiers used this cry for the rest of the Civil War.
The Union Army did not report many prisoners taken by the Confederates. However, Confederate records show that about 200 prisoners were sent south.
In 1866, the Union Army created a cemetery near the battle site. It was for both Confederate and Union soldiers. A year later, in 1867, about 250 bodies were moved from there. They were reburied at the Memphis National Cemetery.
Visiting Fort Pillow State Historic Park Today
Fort Pillow is recognized as a very important historical place. In 1973, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Then, in 1974, it was named a National Historic Landmark. Even today, you can still see parts of the fort's original earthworks. These are the dirt walls and ditches that made up the fort.
What Can You Do at the Park?
The park has a special visitor center and museum. It is open every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on certain holidays. You can ask for a tour of the museum and the rebuilt parts of the fort.
Besides learning about history, the park offers fun outdoor activities. You can go camping, have a picnic, or even go fishing. It's a great place to explore history and enjoy nature!
