Why is General Nathan Bedford Forrest known as the Fort Pillow massacre?

Answer 1

The Battle of Fort Pillow is controversial as to the cause and results. General Forrest was in command of the cavalry brigade of 1500 men who attacked the fort defended by 550 Union. Gen. James R. Chalmers was the immediate commander of the corps but Gen Forrest was at the battle and his presence greatly influenced the battle.


The commander of the fort was killed early in the morning by a sniper. This left the fort in the hands of inexperienced officers who refused to surrender even though they were out-numbered 3 to 1 or more. The main reason the Union troops would not surrender is that half of them were black soldiers. If captured they would be returned to slavery. The white soldiers and officers would await a worse fate---possible death. So the Union troops chose to fight to the death.


After General Forrest had 3 horses shot out from under him and several men killed, the fort was attacked with a vengence. No Union officer gave order to lay down arms and the fighting continued as many ran down the steep embankment to the Mississippi River. Some eye-witnesses said General Forrest tried to halt the firing. Others said he encouraged it or did nothing. There were many Union reports that Confederate officers participated in the needless killing of black soldiers who attempted to surrender.


The Confederates took approximately 220 prisoners. The wounded were allowed to be transferred to Union boats. The reports that all the men were killed were exaggerated. Also the statistics of the Confederate casualties showed that it was not a lop-sided massacre. The Official Records reported 14 Killed and 60 Wounded. Research of National Archive service records has identified 99 Confederate casualties. This included 20 Killed, 8 of which were Officers---a very high rate for any battle.




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