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.
Inner Breastworks. Fort Pillow, 1862. 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.
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. 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.
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 680 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 9, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
