Fort Pillow State Historic Park

Fort Pillow State Historic Park / My TN State Park Fundraiser 2025

Donate to vote for Fort Pillow State Historic Park as your favorite Tennessee State Park in the My TN State Park Fundraiser! 

For the entire month of April, Tennessee State Park supporters can donate to vote for their favorite Tennessee State Park. That means if Fort Pillow State Park is your favorite, you can donate to vote for us, and we’ll use your donations to improve our park! 

Your contributions significantly enhance the quality of our state parks. Donations support a range of vital projects, including improving hiking trails and bridges, conserving habitats for wildlife, upgrading playgrounds, installing interpretive signage, enhancing living conditions for our raptor friends, and bolstering equipment and supplies for emergency rescue services. Your support makes these essential projects possible, creating a better and more enjoyable experience for everyone who visits our state parks!

 

  • $41

    Raised

  • $1,200

    Goal

  • 5

    Supporters

  • 14

    Days Remaining

Recent Transactions

About Fort Pillow State Historic Park

Approximately 40 miles north of Memphis, Fort Pillow State Historic Park is rich in historic and archaeological significance. Steep bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River made this area a strategic location during the Civil War. In 1861, the Confederate army built extensive fortifications. It was attacked and held by the Union Army for most of the American Civil War period, except immediately after the Battle of Fort Pillow, when it was retaken by the Confederate Army. The battle ended with a massacre of African-American Union troops and their white officers attempting to surrender, by soldiers under the command of Confederate Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest.

The area became a state park in 1971. The 1,642-acre Fort Pillow is known for its well-preserved breastworks and reconstructed inner fort. The park’s museum offers Civil War artifacts including a cannon and interpretive displays relating to the history of Fort Pillow. There is a 12-minute video on the 1864 battle shown by request, as well as tours of the museum and restored fortifications.