Controversy about what happened on April 12, 1864 at Fort Pillow in western Tennessee has stirred from that day until today. What happened? Did a massacre of black and “Tennessee Tory” white troops take place? What part did General Nathan Bedford Forrest play in the actions of his troopers? Should the Federal commanders shoulder some of the responsibility for the one-sided battle that took place? How has history recorded and treated the events of that day?

This month’s presentation discusses the history and geography of Fort Pillow and places the battle in the context of Forrest’s incursion into western Tennessee in the spring of 1864. A detailed timeline of the battle will be presented with controversial events flagged for emphasis. Reactions to the events of that day, official and historical, will also be presented to illustrate the fog of emotions and biased analyses that have persisted.

Our speaker is a returning favorite, David Goracke of the West Valley Civil Warriors Round Table. You will remember the outstanding presentation he gave last April on Civil War postal operations. Dave is a retired aerospace engineering manager. He grew up in Falls Church , Virginia , and currently resides in West Hills. Geographical proximity to northern Virginia battlefields sparked his interest in the War’s history as a youngster.

Come and get both sides of the Fort Pillow story at this month’s meeting.

 

Janet Whaley
Program Chair

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