3122 Park Road
Henning, Tennessee
731-738-5581

Fort Pillow State Park is scenically located in Lauderdale County on the Chickasaw Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. This 1,642-acre park is rich with historical and archaeological significance as well as providing visitors with opportunities recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing as well as offering camping opportunities.

The park is situated on the site of a Civil War fort. In 1861, the Confederate Army built extensive fortifications here and named the site for General Gideon J. Pillow of Tennessee. Because of its strategic location, controlling traffic on the Mississippi River, the fort was attacked and captured by the Union Army, which controlled it during most of the war. An exception to this control occurred for less than one day immediately after the Battle of Fort Pillow in 1864. On June 4, 1862 Confederate troops evacuated Fort Pillow allowing the Union Army to take the site which left the way clear for the capture of Memphis, Tennessee. In April 1864 the Confederates retook the fort for one day after the Battle of Fort Pillow. 229 black and white Union soldiers out of 262 engaged in the battle were killed by Southern troops under General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Confederate records show about 200 prisoners were shipped south and "Remember Fort Pillow!" became a battle cry among African-American soldiers for the remainder of the Civil War.

In 1866, the Union Army created a cemetery for both Confederate and Union soldiers south of the battle site. In 1867, they moved about 250 bodies of Confederate and Union soldiers from that cemetery to the Memphis National Cemetery. In 1973, the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places and in 1974 it was declared a National Historic Landmark. The remains of the earthworks of this fort are well preserved. Many of the beautiful original breastworks remain in good condition. Extensive archaeological study and excavations have allowed for reconstruction of the inner fort. History buffs and visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring the history of this fort through interpretive programs and tours.

The park has an Interpretive Center/Museum that is open from 8 am - 4 pm daily year round with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The museum closes daily from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm for lunch. There is no entrance fee. Visitors will find displays of Civil War artifacts and interpretive displays. A 12 minute video on the 1864 Battle of Fort Pillow is shown by request. Tours of the museum and restored fortifications are available upon request. The park’s staff provides many interpretive programs. Most of these have been developed to enhance the understanding of the American Civil War as it relates to the occupation of both Confederate and Union forces at Fort Pillow. The programs include educational hikes to the restored fortifications, museum tours, haversack displays, and demonstrations on the life of a civil war soldier, weapon use, construction of fortifications and more. Nature and recreational programs are presented during the summer months or upon request. Several cannons are on display throughout the museum, along with other Civil War artifacts such as bullets, muskets and cannon balls. The Anderson-Tully Wildlife Management Area borders the park on the north. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency manages this popular hunting and fishing area. No hunting is allowed on park property.

Fort Pillow State Historic Park offers many recreational opportunities. The park includes the 25-acre Fort Pillow Lake. A boat ramp is available to the general public but there are no rental boats at the park. Only fishing boats and canoes are allowed. The lake is stocked with bass, bream and crappie. A valid Tennessee Fishing License is required. A picnic area overlooking Fort Pillow Lake provides the visitor with tables, grills, restrooms and playground. Visitors can engage in basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, kickball, and wiffle ball. The park provides sanctuary for deer, turkey, coyote, bobcat, and raccoons. Many turtle species may be seen as well, including snapping, painted, and mud turtles. Interpretive signs identify certain species and their habitat.

Hiking
Visitors come to Fort Pillow for the 20 miles of trails, which cover almost all of the 1,650 acres. The 20 miles of trails lead to the restored fortification, several other inner forts and the outer breastworks that make up Fort Pillow.

Bird Watching
The park is frequented by birders and is an excellent location to observe a wide variety of forest birds in the summer such as the Prothonotary Warbler, Mississippi Kite, Acadian Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Northern Parulas. Large numbers of congregating and migrating swallows can be seen in July and August.

Camping
This rustic campground has 32 campsites and is designed primarily for tent camping. None of the sites are equipped for RVs. There are no electrical or water hook-ups. Tent camp sites will accommodate small popups and RVs may park in front of the site. Each campsite has a grill/campfire pad; a picnic table, and pea gravel for tent set-up, a roomy forest setting, and full-service bathhouse (one is barrier free). Back country camping is allowed only at the designated site located on the Blue Chickasaw Bluff Trail. A permit is required for the site. Visit Fort Pillow State Historic Park’s camping webpage for more information.

Visiting Fort Pillow State Park
Park grounds: 8 am - sunset daily
Museum hours:
Interpretive Center/Museum: 8 am - 4 pm daily and year. The museum closes daily from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm for lunch.
Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
There is no charge to visit the Fort Pillow State Historic Park or the Interpretive Center/Museum.

Directions: The entrance to Fort Pillow State Park is located off Crutcher Lake Road, From the intersection of Main Street and Graves Avenue in Henning take Graves Road west (will turn into TN-87) east for about 16 miles to Crutcher Lake Road. Take a right (north) on Crutcher Lake Road and travel just about 1 mile to the park entrance.