Fort Pillow State Historic Park

About Fort Pillow State Historic Park

Fort Pillow is located on Chickasaw Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River and is of historical and archaeological importance. In 1861, the Confederate Army built extensive fortifications here and named the place after its leader, General Robert E. Lee, and was named after him. Due to its strategic location, it was taken over by the Union Army, which controlled the fortress for most of the war.

The remains of the earthworks are well preserved, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has declared Fort Pillow State Historic Park a Wildlife Observation Area. Interpretation marks indicate the presence of certain species and their habitat.

The park is bordered to the north by the Anderson-Tully Wildlife Management Area and is a popular hunting and fishing area managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Hunting is prohibited on the grounds of the park, but birdwatchers can visit it for bird watching and other purposes. The park is also a refuge for deer and turkeys, as it is bounded on both sides by Anderson and Tullies wildlife management areas.

This rustic campsite has 38 campsites and is mainly designed for tents, but none of the pitches are equipped for campers. There is no electricity or water connection, but water is available at the water station.

There are 2 bathhouses, one of which is suitable for disabled people, and a small pop-up that will house a tent camp. R - Vs can park on this site and camp for up to 3 days, but campers can register at the office. This campsite has 4 camping pitches, all equipped with a water station, picnic area, office and entrance to the park. Staff can come to the hotel at any time of the day or night for lunch, dinner or overnight stays.

Firewood can come from dead limbs and trees, but also from a variety of other sources such as tree trunks, shrubs, grasses, trees and other vegetation.

The total length of the route is five kilometres, with 1.2 kilometres between the car park, visitor centre and campsite. Camping in the hinterland is allowed, but a permit is required and the way to camp in the hinterland is hilly and medium difficult.

Electric towing machines are allowed on 15 hectares of the lake, but gas engines must adhere to a no-waking policy. There are no rental boats in the park, and only fishing boats and canoes are allowed. The ship's ramp is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open to the public on weekends and public holidays.

Fort Pillow Lake is stocked with perch, bream, cappie and catfish, but a valid Tennessee fishing license is required.

Electric towing machines are allowed on 15 hectares of the lake, but gas engines must adhere to a no-waking policy. The boat ramp is open to the public and there are rental boats in the park, but only fishing boats and canoes are allowed.

Fort Pillow Lake is stocked with perch, bream, cappie and catfish, but a valid Tennessee fishing license is required.

There is a centrally located picnic pavilion, which can be reserved and is ideal for family celebrations. The picnic area overlooking Fort Pillow Lake offers a variety of activities including picnics, water sports, fishing and camping. Pavilions of up to one per year can be reserved in advance or purchased at the park office.

Most of the interpreting programs in the park are designed to improve understanding of the American Civil War, which relates to the Confederate and Union occupation of Fort Pillow.

Admission is free and nature and leisure programmes are offered on request during the summer months. The Park Interpretive Center and Museum is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visitors will find exhibits and interpretations of the Civil War, and a 12-minute video of the 1864 battle is available upon request. Guided tours of the museum and restored fortifications are available upon request, as are guided tours of the historic buildings and facilities of Fort Pillow.

Turn west of I-40 and follow Highway 19 to Ripley State Highway 51 and take Exit 66 to US 70.

From Brownsville, turn right onto State Highway 19, turn right onto State Highway 19, then left onto Interstate 40, then right onto Interstate 35.

Turn right on State Highway 19, then left on Interstate 35, turn right on Fort Pillow State Park and follow this to US 70.