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

Inner Breastworks

Fort Pillow, 1862

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

1. Inner Breastworks Marker

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 and Castles • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1862.

Location. 35° 38.457′ N, 89° 50.178′ W. Marker is near Henning, Tennessee, in Lauderdale County. It 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

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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 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: 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.

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

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

2. Map on the Left Side of Marker

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

3. Inner Breastworks Marker

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

Photographed 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 855 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 9, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.