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Memphis, Tennessee: Controversial Grave of Nathan Bedford Forrest (Gone)

Controversial in the sense that the city had wanted to get rid of this large downtown tomb, given Forrest's history as a slave trader and member of the Klan. He had been dead 28 years before he was dug up in 1905 and buried under a fancy statue. The statue was taken down on Dec. 20, 2017; Forrest's body was dug up and removed in June 2021.

Forrest Park

Directions:
Downtown. I-240 exit 30 onto either Union or Madison Aves, then drive west five blocks to Forrest Park. The grave is on the south side, facing Union Ave.
Hours:
Statue removed Dec. 20, 2017; Forrest removed June 2021.
Status:
Gone

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Memphis Divided Over KKK Grand Wizard's Park

Where will the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest, find his final rest? His body, as well as that of his wife, is currently buried in Memphis, TN's Forrest Park. But if potstirrers have their way, the bodies will soon be exhumed and moved to Elmwood Cemetery, while the park will be renamed....

[08/01/2005] Complete News Story


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