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

Confederate Water Batteries

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

1. Confederate Water Batteries Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The earthen structure nearby, ¾ mile in length, was constructed by the Confederates by order of General Gideon Pillow in July, 1861. Designed to hold 40 artillery pieces, the water batteries were the major works which prevented the passage of Union boats along the river. The water batteries were rendered almost unusable when the river flooded in March, 1862. After the fall of Shiloh and Corinth, the Confederates withdrew from the fort in June, 1862, leaving behind 19 pieces of artillery, all spiked or dismounted.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1862.

Location. 35° 38.694′ N, 89° 50.326′ W. Marker is near Henning, Tennessee, in Lauderdale County. Marker can be reached from Park Road (State Highway 207), on the right when traveling north. Located in the reconstructed fort in Fort Pillow State Park. The fort is reached by a mile long trail from the visitor center. 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. Earthworks Over River Batteries (here, next to this marker); Union Artillery 10 Pound Parrotts

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Union Artillery 6 Pound James Rifles (within shouting distance of this marker); Union Artillery 12 Pound Howitzers (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Confederate Sharpshooters (approx. ¼ mile away); Inner Breastworks (approx. 0.3 miles away); General N.B. Forrest's Command Position (approx. 0.3 miles away); Outer Breastworks (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Henning.

Markers on the River Side of Fort Pillow image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain

2. Markers on the River Side of Fort Pillow

Old River Chute image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 1, 2010

3. Old River Chute

At the time of the Civil War, the Mississippi River ran at the base of the Chickasaw Bluffs. The water batteries were placed just up from the river bank. Today Cold Creek empties into Chute Lake, a remainder of the river's former channel, at the base of the buffs.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 689 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 11, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on October 10, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on October 11, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.