About the Honorable Mentions Effort
Questions & Answers
Question
Why has this site been created?
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Answer
A friend visited Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park in Tennessee and reported some of the history on Facebook. We struggled to believe what she said, but concluded it was true after doing our own research.
We contacted the Tennessee State Parks (on Apr 13, 2019) via the email link on their web sites and asked about the name, but they haven't responded (as of Nov 21, 2019). We contacted Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park via phone on Jun 11, 2019 and asked about the name. We were told that Nathan Bedford Forrest was a good man, people who don't understand this should study the history, and now we're waiting for a call from the park manager to answer more of our questions. We haven't received a call from him as of Nov 21, 2019. On May 23, 2019 we contacted the Friends of Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park via their web site, but haven't heard back from them as of Nov 21, 2019. We're now working with State Legislators who advise that grass roots requests will likely be required to change the name. |
Question
When was Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park named?
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Answer
In December 1929, the state of Tennessee established Nathan Bedford Forrest Memorial Park on land which had been donated (by the Pafford family). The name was retained in 1963 when it transitioned from a local park to a state park.
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Question
How can I contact Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park or leave a review?
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There are many ways to contact Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park or leave a review including these links:
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What difference does the name of Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park make? Why not focus on bigger issues? Or, as one Tweeter asked:
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The name of this State Park bothers and matters to some, but not all people. We believe that a new name (e.g. Pilot Knob State Park) would attract more and offend fewer visitors. According to a recent news report, links to the KKK don't sell as well today as they have in the past.
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Question
We can't erase history. If we truly value diversity, shouldn't we leave existing historical reminders in place?
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This effort does not strive to erase history. In fact, as you can see in our Proposal, we're suggesting that we teach more of the history to park visitors.
Students and others interested in learning more about the Civil War will find many, many resources available including sites, monuments, and museums. Interestingly, many (if not most) Nathan Bedford Forrest monuments and memorials were introduced long after the end of the Civil War in response to Jim Crow laws and civil rights movements. This effort strives to create a better future. A future that includes welcoming and inclusive public places. And a future that strives to eliminate intimidating symbols and reminders of a time when we were didn't value all people equally. |
Question
Don't we need reminders of the past to ensure we don't repeat it?
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Some say yes, but they're rarely the victims or related to the victims of the oppressors. This Twitter thread may help explain more about how victims feel. Ask yourself these questions:
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Question
Why did Nathan Bedford Forrest High School change its name to West Side High School in 2014?
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More than 161,000 people signed a petition calling on the Superintendent of Duval County (FL) Public Schools to rename Nathan Bedford Forrest High School. (The school got its name in 1959, when white civic leaders wanted to protest a court decision that called for integrating public schools.)
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Question
What if I think we should retain the name of this state park? Is there a way to register my opinion on this site?
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You can register an opinion that you want to retain the name of Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park here.
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Question
Does it make sense to judge historical figures by today's standards?
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Sometimes, although it's important to remember that this park wasn't named by Confederates to honor those who died during the war. The name was originally chosen in 1929 and then reaffirmed in 1963. Surely the vast majority of Tennesseans were opposed to the KKK in 1929 and 1963 as they are today. Additionally, the Fort Pillow Massacre (described by military historian David J. Eicher as "one of the bleakest, saddest events of American military history") was condemned right after it occurred as it is today.
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Question
Given that Nathan Bedford Forrest wasn't in the KKK for long, eventually denounced the org, was a brilliant military strategist, and called for racial unity late in life, is it reasonable to remove his name from this state park?
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Answer
The people who have added their names to this site believe that the answer to this questions is, "Yes."
It's also worth remembering that Nathan Bedford Forrest's KKK involvement does not appear to be the only significant stain on his reputation. His role in the Fort Pillow Massacre, described by military historian David J. Eicher as "one of the bleakest, saddest events of American military history" may be a much greater transgression. Any good that Forrest has contributed appears to have been overshadowed by his lack of basic decency. |
Question
Are there other places that honor KKK members?
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We're not sure. We have found the graphic below which documents when various symbols of the Confederacy were erected and in some cases removed.
Link to original graphic
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What does "weebly" mean in the URL for this site?
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Weebly is the tool used to create this site. By leaving the word "weebly" in the URL, we are able to use the tool for free.
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Question
Have other parks ever changed names?
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