Union City in Obion County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Forrest's Rail

Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, May 21, 2025

1. Forrest's Rail Marker

Inscription. Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest led his troops in a raid on Union-controlled railroads in 1862, hoping to disrupt Union General Ulysses S. Grant's supply lines. Sections of the railway were destroyed by burning the ties, placing the rails over the fire, and bending them so that they could not be repaired for reuse. Displayed here is what is believed to be one of those 1862 bent rails on loan from Thomas Hester. It was recovered from an old creek bed next to the former railroad track leading from Union City to Gardner Station in Tennessee

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 36° 26.22′ N, 89° 4.133′ W. Marker is in Union City, Tennessee, in Obion County. It is at the intersection of Graham Road and Welcome Circle on Graham Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Union City TN 38261, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Tennessee.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in the Upper

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South,

and in the Mississippi Delta.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Rotary Pavilion (a few steps from this marker); The Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); 80-Pound Railroad Rail (within shouting distance of this marker); Reading the Rail (within shouting distance of this marker); Union City Junction (within shouting distance of this marker); Hobbs Drug Store (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Central Grammer School (about 300 feet away); Ronald Reagan (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Union City.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2025, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 159 times since then and 30 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on May 27, 2025, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.