Fort Pillow: A Site of Tragedy and Remembrance
The Civil War Battle
In 1864, during the American Civil War, Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest led a raid on Fort Pillow, a Union stronghold on the Mississippi River. The fort was defended by a small garrison of Union soldiers, including 262 members of the United States Colored Troops (USCT).
The Confederates outnumbered the Union defenders and quickly overwhelmed the fort. Many Union soldiers attempted to surrender, but the Confederates continued to fire, targeting the USCT soldiers in particular. Approximately 70% of the USCT soldiers were killed, along with an unknown number of civilians.
The Massacre
The massacre at Fort Pillow was a horrific event that shocked the nation. Union soldiers who escaped the battle reported that the Confederates had shot unarmed men and executed teenagers. One Confederate soldier wrote home that he had witnessed Black men being “shot down like dogs.”
The Legacy of Fort Pillow
The massacre at Fort Pillow became a rallying cry for the USCT. They fought bravely throughout the rest of the war, knowing that they would not be treated as prisoners of war if they were captured.
After the war, Fort Pillow was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In 1971, it was designated a state park. In recent years, the park has been renovated and expanded, and it now includes a museum and a memorial to the USCT soldiers who died there.
The Importance of Remembrance
The story of Fort Pillow is a reminder of the horrors of slavery and the struggle for racial justice. It is important to remember the sacrifices of the USCT soldiers who fought for their freedom and the legacy of racism that they faced.
Efforts to Preserve History
Ranger Robby Tidwell has been instrumental in preserving the history of Fort Pillow. He has led efforts to restore the fort, build a new museum, and create educational programs for students. Tidwell believes that it is important to remember the sacrifices of the USCT soldiers and to learn from the mistakes of the past.
Ongoing Commemorations
Commemoration events are held at Fort Pillow and the Memphis National Cemetery every year on April 12, the anniversary of the battle. These events include wreath-laying ceremonies, speeches, and musical performances. They are a way to honor the memory of the USCT soldiers and to remind us of the importance of fighting for racial justice.
The Future of Fort Pillow
Tidwell has plans to continue improving Fort Pillow State Park. He is working to build a bridge over the ravine between the visitor center and the fort, which will make it easier for visitors to access the site. He is also working to identify and commemorate the enslaved people who built the fort’s earthworks.
Tidwell believes that Fort Pillow is a place of great historical significance. He wants to ensure that its story is preserved and that it continues to be a place of learning and remembrance for generations to come.