Today is the birthday of the renowned and controversial general of the Confederacy, Nathan Bedford Forrest. He was born on this date in 1821, and died on October 29, 1877. Recently, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the general’s gravesite. He was removed from Forrest Park (renamed Health Sciences Park) along with his wife, Mary Ann. The remains of these two are in the process of being relocated. Here is an update:
NATHAN BEDFORD FORREST
July 13, 1821 – October 29, 1877
FORREST REINTERNMENT ANNOUNCED
Announcement from Commander-in-Chief Larry McCluney, Jr.
June 30, 2021
Compatriots,
It gives me great pleasure to announce that Saturday, September 18, 2021, will be the date for the reinternment of the remains General Nathan Bedford Forrest and his wife MaryAnn Montgomery Forrest. Please make plans to attend. All reenactors and participants will be required to register for this event and follow the strict guidelines that will be forthcoming.
I want to congratulate Lee Miller and the Recovery Crew, and the members of the Nathan Bedford Forrest Camp #215 in Memphis, TN and the legal team of H. Edward Phillips III, Charles G. Blackard III, W. J. “Bo” Ladner III, and Jonathan J. Pledger, on a job well done. We also thank the Forrest Family for allowing us to take part in this momentous occasion and organizing the funeral proceedings. Bear in mind that we are grateful for all that has happened up to this point, and we know much more must be done.
As to the human side, the remains of General and Mrs. Forrest are held in an undisclosed location and later will be transported to an undisclosed location in Middle Tennessee. These sites will be kept in secrecy for security reasons as it is our utmost duty to protect the family, the professionals and work crews involved, as well as the SCV and its members.
Let us always keep in mind that we are honored by the Forrest Family to participate in this solemn occasion. Please do not follow or spread rumors about this event. We will update you as plans are finalized. Fundraising still continues as we raise money for the re-interment of General Forrest and his beloved wife. Please give to make this event happen as we bring one of our heroes’ home to be buried on land less than 30 minutes from where he was born. You can send donations to:
Make checks out to:
Sons of Confederate Veterans
(Put in memo: Forrest Reinterment)
P.O. Box 59
Columbia, TN 38402
Once the funeral is complete, restoring the plaza and remounting the Forrest Equestrian Statue on the grave will occur. This will not be easy nor quick. Much more work lay ahead of us, however, be certain that we will rededicate this plaza to honor the General and his family.
Please be patient with us as you and the entire membership will be informed once all plans are finalized. A website will be forthcoming with all details and information. For now, let us “walk a little prouder and hold our heads higher” in this great victory! God has truly vindicated us in this effort. Let us remember the charge given to us by General Stephen Dill Lee as we continue to press forward.
Deo Vindice,
Larry McCluney, Jr.
Commander-in-Chief
Sons of Confederate Veterans