Near Henning in Lauderdale County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Outer Breastworks

Fort Pillow, 1861

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

1. Outer Breastworks - Fort Pillow, 1861 Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The Confederates constructed this fortification, 3 ½ miles in length, with ends terminating at the river bluff, as protection against an attack by land. The Outer Breastworks were designed by General Leonidas Polk and built by Captain Montgomery Lynch and Captain D. Wintter between August and early December, 1861. All trees were chopped down for a half mile outside the fort; these fallen trees were not removed however.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is December 5, 1861.

Location. 35° 37.978′ N, 89° 50.348′ W. Marker is near Henning, Tennessee, in Lauderdale County. Marker is on Park Road (State Highway 207), on the right when traveling north. Located in Fort Pillow State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Henning TN 38041, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Inner Breastworks (approx. 0.6 miles away); General N.B. Forrest's Command Position (approx. 0.6 miles away); Confederate Sharpshooters (approx. 0.6 miles away); Union Artillery 6 Pound James Rifles

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(approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named Outer Breastworks (approx. 0.8 miles away); Union Artillery 10 Pound Parrotts (approx. 0.8 miles away); Confederate Water Batteries (approx. 0.8 miles away); Earthworks Over River Batteries (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Henning.

Map of the Fortifications image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

2. Map of the Fortifications

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

3. Outer Breastworks - Fort Pillow, 1861 Marker

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

4. Breastworks

Another Section of the Works image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

5. Another Section of the Works

Just south of the marker the works parallel the road.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 697 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 9, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.