Downtown Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Confederate History of Memphis
The Confederate fleet of 8 boats protected only by cotton bales and carrying 18 guns gallantly resisted this attack of 6 armored gun boats, 4 rams and 20 mortar boats carrying 84 guns.
The engagement lasted 90 minutes and was the first battle between steam rams in history.
At dawn Aug. 21, 1864, Gen. N. B. Forrest made his grand strategic raid into Memphis, which was then held by Federal generals with 10,000 men. His object being to check the advance of the Federal army into Miss. Arriving here with only 1500 picked men, spent with 50 hours continuous marching, he sent this telegram "Forrest holds Memphis" to the Federal headquarters in Miss.
The Federal officers, taken by surprise, rushed from their bedrooms and secreted themselves about the city.
After spending 2 hours here, Forrest cut the wires, and left the city taking 500 prisoners, and large quantities of supplies. His loss was only 25 wounded and 9 killed, while the enemy's loss was 90 wounded and 30 killed.
Pres. Davis was a resident of this city for 9 years after his release from prison.
Crowns for the veteran's head
and loyal love and honor
for our Confederate dead.
Erected 1909 by Confederate Dames, Tyler Chapter.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 8, 1862.
Location. 35° 8.791′ N, 90° 3.262′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in Downtown Memphis. Marker is on Front Street south of Jefferson Ave., on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 51 N Front Street, Memphis TN 38103, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Naval Battle of Memphis, 1862 (a few steps from this marker); Capt. J. Harvey Mathes (within shouting distance of this marker); Memphis and Shelby County Medical Society (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Elizabeth Avery Meriwether (within shouting distance of this marker); Ida B. Wells (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Virginia ("Ginnie") Bethel Moon (about 300 feet away); Alma H. Law (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.
More about this marker. Three parks in Memphis including Confederate Park have had their names changed by the City Council. The park mentioned in this post has had its name changed to Memphis City Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 27, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 937 times since then and 20 times this year. Last updated on May 3, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos: 1. submitted on January 27, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. 2. submitted on September 7, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 3, 4. submitted on January 27, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.