The Battle of Fort Pillow in Tennessee during the American Civil War resulted in a disproportionate number of black soldiers being killed compared to their white counterparts. Confederate cavalry led by Nathan Bedford Forrest attacked the Union-held fort, and while there is conflicting evidence as to whether a massacre occurred, many believe that surrendered Union soldiers were shot or bayoneted to death. The battle further inflamed black-white race relations and boosted morale in Union forces.
Fort Pillow, Tennessee is the site of an American Civil War battle that occurred on April 12, 1864. Many believe the battle resulted in a massacre of Union forces after they surrendered. About 600 Union soldiers manned the previously abandoned Fort Pillow and were met by a substantially larger body of Confederate cavalry led by Nathan Bedord Forrest. A disproportionate percentage of black soldiers died compared to their white counterparts in the Union Army, which has suggested racial discrimination in the Confederate rules of engagement.
Forrest’s cavalry corps had been engaged in raids in western Tennessee and Kentucky for a month before arriving at Union-held Fort Pillow 40 miles (60 kilometers) north of Memphis, Tennessee. Union troops were defending the river approach to Memphis, aided by a federal gunboat, the USS New Era. The Confederate motivation for taking Fort Pillow included a need for horses and supplies stored at the fort, as well as wanting to clear Union positions from the area. Forrest’s cavalry strength has been estimated at 1,500 to 2,500 at the time of the battle.
The Confederates were able to position sharpshooters on high ground surrounding the fort and begin picking off Union soldiers, including officers. After sustained rifle fire and artillery bombardment, Union commander William F. Bradford rejected an offer to surrender. Forrest ordered his troops forward and assault the fort. It was soon overrun and the remaining Federal forces were pushed into an open position near New Era.
At this point in the battle, the course of events becomes less clear. Most Union sources suggest that the Federal troops had by then surrendered, but were shot or bayoneted to death rather than captured as prisoners of war. On the other hand, Confederate soldiers in the battle recall Union troops continuing to fire on them as they fled. The New Era provided no cover for fleeing Federals, and about 80% of black soldiers were killed compared to about 40% of white Union soldiers.
There is conflicting evidence as to whether or not a massacre took place at Fort Pillow. The Union flag continued to fly after the battle, indicating that no formal surrender had occurred. Many Federal Rifles have been found near the river, rather than in the fort. Black soldiers, many of whom were former slaves, may have feared retribution and reinstatement of slavery if they surrendered to the Confederates. A Confederate sergeant, however, wrote home after the battle that many blacks dropped their weapons and begged for mercy only to be cut down.
In the north, the battle was interpreted as a massacre. The New York Times newspaper reported that at least 300 blacks were killed in cold blood after the surrender. The Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War, a Union investigative body, concluded that most of the garrison was shot after the surrender. Despite the Confederate tactical victory, the Battle of Fort Pillow is believed to have further inflamed black-white race relations, boosted morale in Union forces, and strengthened Northern resolve to see an end to the war.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
