Nathaniel Bedford Forrest Day
July 13, Sunday
Tennessee
Who was Nathan Bedford Forrest
Nathan Bedford Forrest (1821–1877) was a cavalry general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He was known for his tactical abilities and guerrilla warfare. However, his legacy is highly controversial in American history for the following reasons:
* He participated in the Fort Pillow massacre (1864), where surrendered African American Union soldiers were killed
* After the war, he became one of the first "Grand Wizards" of the Ku Klux Klan
* Later, according to some sources, he left the organization and advocated for racial reconciliation
Status of the holiday
In Tennessee, this day was long officially recognized as part of the state's commemorative calendar. However:
* It was not a public holiday
* Since 1971, it was proclaimed annually by the governor as required by law
* In 2019, Republican Governor Bill Lee signed a law eliminating the requirement for annual proclamation
Reasons for controversy
The holiday caused widespread public outrage, especially among African American communities and civil rights activists, because:
* Forrest was associated with racism, slavery, and violence
* His figure became a symbol of Confederate heritage and the defense of white supremacy
Modern perception
Today, Nathan Bedford Forrest Day is no longer officially observed at the state level. However, some private groups still commemorate his memory, particularly those who support the legacy of the Confederacy. His monuments have become targets of removal or relocation, reflecting a broader reassessment of American historical memory.