Tag: Civil War

Nathan Bedford Forrest

Nathan Bedford Forrest

Another in a series of historical figures.

Nathan Bedford Forrest (1821-1877)

With no formal military training, Nathan Bedford Forrest became one of the leading cavalry figures of the Civil War. The native Tennesseean had amassed a fortune, which he estimated at $1,500,000, as a slave trader and plantation owner before enlisting in the Confederate army as a private in Josiah H. White’s cavalry company on June 14, 1861. Tapped by the governor, he then raised a mounted battalion at his own expense.

His assignments included: lieutenant colonel, Forrest’s Tennessee Cavalry Battalion (October 1861); colonel, 3rd Tennessee Cavalry (March 1862); brigadier general, CSA July 21, 1862); commanding cavalry brigade, Army of the Mississippi (summer-November 20, 1862); commanding cavalry brigade, Army of Tennessee (November 20, 1862 Summer 1863); commanding cavalry division, Army of Tennessee (summer 1863); commanding cavalry corps, Army of Tennessee (ca. August -September 29, 1863); commanding West Tennessee, (probably in) Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana (November 14, 1863 – January 11, 1864); major general, CSA (December 4, 1863); commanding cavalry corps, Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana January 11 – 28, 1864); commanding District of Mississippi and East Louisiana, Department of Alabama, Mississippi and East Louisiana January 27 – May 4, 1865); also commanding cavalry corps, Department of Alabama, Mississippi and East Louisiana January 28 – May 4, 1865); and lieutenant general, CSA (February 28, 1865).


When the mass Confederate breakout attempt at Fort Donelson failed, Forrest led most of his own men, and some other troops, through the besieging lines and then directed the rear guard during the retreat from Nashville. At Shiloh there was little opportunity for the effective use of the mounted troops and his command again formed the rear guard on the retreat. The day after the close of the battle Forrest was wounded. After serving during the Corinth siege he was promoted to brigadier general, and he raised a brigade with which he captured Murfreesboro, its garrison and supplies. (Source)

Paying tribute to those who stood in the time of hardship and struggle. Our nation experienced growing pains and the men I honor here gave all.

The War of Northern Aggression Started Today, 150 years ago…

The War of Northern Aggression Started Today, 150 years ago…

To honor my forefathers who fought on BOTH sides of the WAR of Northern Aggression which started on April 12, 1861:

On this day in 1861:

When President Lincoln planned to send supplies to Fort Sumter, he alerted the state in advance, in an attempt to avoid hostilities. South Carolina, however, feared a trick; the commander of the fort, Robert Anderson, was asked to surrender immediately. Anderson offered to surrender, but only after he had exhausted his supplies. His offer was rejected, and on April 12, the Civil War began with shots fired on the fort. Fort Sumter eventually was surrendered to South Carolina.

This war cost over 620,000 lives, it was bloody, it was gruesome, it was over states rights. Regardless of the “Slavery” aspect, the war was over the right of Washington to dictate to the states how to govern their people.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mllAnPKS6Zs[/youtube]

I’m a rebel through and through.

In Remembrance of those brave men who faced the wall of lead balls with courage and conviction of their cause. One day the South shall rise again, may it be soon.