Near Wildersville in Henderson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Raiders' Escape Route
Retreat from Parkers Crossroads
— Forrest's First West Tennessee Raid —
By Chris Hill, October 21, 2020
1. Raiders' Escape Route Marker
Parker's Crossroads Battlefield, where the last engagement of Gen. Nathan B. Forrest's First West Tennessee Raid took place is five and a half miles northwest of here. After the battle Forrest and his men passed this way en route southeast to the Tennessee River and safety.
Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's army occupied this part of Tennessee in the spring of 1862, and Forrest launched his raid late in the year to disrupt Federal communications and supply routes. After reaching Kentucky, Forrest turned back, with Union Cols. Cyrus Dunham's and John Waller's brigades in pursuit. On the morning of December 31, Dunham almost trapped Forrest at Parker's Crossroads. Forrest's artillery, however, was posted on a wooded ridge north-west of the Federals, and the gunners' fire forced Dunham's brigade to withdraw half a mile. Forrest counterattacked and demanded Dunham's surrender. Dunham refused, and before Forrest could attack again, Fuller's brigade arrived from the north. With the Federals at his front and back, Forrest ordered his men to "Charge 'em both ways." The Confederates broke through Dunham's line and continued their withdrawal,
By Chris Hill, October 21, 2020
2. Raiders' Escape Route Marker at the entrance to the Natchez Trace State Park Headquarters
Sidebar text not legible
Erected by Tennessee Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Civil War Trails series list.
Location. 35° 47.796′ N, 88° 15.884′ W. Marker is near Wildersville, Tennessee, in Henderson County. Marker is on Camden Road (Tennessee Route 114) 1.7 miles south of Interstate 40, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Westport TN 38387, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Battle of Parker's Crossroads (approx. 6˝ miles away); Enfilading the Line (approx. 6.7 miles away); A Fire Terrible In Its Intensity (approx. 6.8 miles away); Forrest's Artillery (approx. 6.8 miles away); Union Cemetery (approx. 6.8 miles away); Manning the Guns (approx. 6.8 miles away); Confederate Horseholders (approx. 6.9 miles away); Union Wagon Train (approx. 6.9 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2020, by David Austin of Scotts Hill, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 33 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 21, 2020, by David Austin of Scotts Hill, Tennessee. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A close-up and legible photo of the marker at higher resolution. • Can you help?
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