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

Inner Breastworks

Fort Pillow, 1862

By Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

1. Inner Breastworks Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This second line of breastworks is located between the long line of outer breastworks and the Union fort. Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard ordered the construction of the inner breastworks because the outer breastworks were too long for the available garrison to defend. The inner breastworks were constructed during late March and April, 1862 and were designed to hold 3,000 men. Several circular depressions along the works suggest that mortars were emplaced here. During the early stages of the Battle of Fort Pillow several companies of the 13th Tennessee Cavalry (Union) held this position, but by mid-morning they were driven from the works by Forrest's troops.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts or Castles • War, US Civil.

Location. 35° 38.457′ N, 89° 50.178′ W. Marker is near Henning, Tennessee, in Lauderdale County. Marker is on Park Road (State Highway 207), on the right when traveling east. Located near the visitor center for 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

Map on the Left Side of Marker image. Click for full size.

By Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

2. Map on the Left Side of Marker

this marker. General N.B. Forrest's Command Position (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Union Artillery 6 Pound James Rifles (approx. ¼ mile away); Union Artillery 12 Pound Howitzers (approx. 0.3 miles away); Union Artillery 10 Pound Parrotts (approx. 0.3 miles away); Confederate Sharpshooters (approx. 0.3 miles away); Earthworks Over River Batteries (approx. 0.3 miles away); Confederate Water Batteries (approx. 0.3 miles away); Outer Breastworks (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Henning.

By Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

3. Inner Breastworks Marker

Portion of the Inner Breastworks near the Marker image. Click for full size.

By Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

4. Portion of the Inner Breastworks near the Marker

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 580 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 9, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.