FORT PILLOW MASSACRE
FORT PILLOW MASSACRE The bugle sounded, followed by the Rebel Yell. What followed was the most infamous massacre of the Civil War. In March, 1864 Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest launched a cavalry raid into western Kentucky and Tennessee. One of his targets was Fort Pillow, located on the Mississippi River near Memphis. The fort was held by a white cavalry unit and African-American artillerymen. The Union force totaled 600. Forrest had 1,500-2,500 veteran warriors. It was not a strong defensive position. When Forrest arrived on **April 12**, his sharpshooters opened deadly fire (one of the first victims was the commanding officer) and his artillery bombarded the fort. It quickly became apparent that the fort was untenable. Forrest demanded unconditional surrender and promised the garrison would be treated as prisoners of war. The new commander, Maj. William Bradford, refused. The bugle initiated the storming of the fort. The Yankees put up little fight as the Rebels burst ...