Wasn’t Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forest the founder and great leader of the first deadly group of KKK killers who took black lives by the thousands soon after the Civil War ended? I seem to recall some histories that indicated that may have been factual but I could be mistaken.
More 21st century democrats removing monuments of 19th century democrats erected by 20th century democrats.
Wasn’t Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forest the founder and great leader of the first deadly group of KKK killers who took black lives by the thousands soon after the Civil War ended? I seem to recall some histories that indicated that may have been factual but I could be mistaken.
That is fake history!
What a POS - good for them to tear it down.
Flame away bigots, I won't bother to respond.
I think you have been greatly mislead about Forrest’s involvement with the KKK. First, he wasn’t a founder. Second, he ordered it disbanded when the former Confederates were allowed to vote again and it resorted to violence. The KKK as we know it didn’t resurface until after his death in 1876. That’s the problem, people like to repeat false history and don’t take the time to see the facts.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I accept the flowers as a memento of reconciliation between the white and colored races of the Southern states. I accept it more particularly as it comes from a colored lady, for if there is any one on God’s earth who loves the ladies I believe it is myself. (Immense applause and laughter.) I came here with the jeers of some white people, who think that I am doing wrong. I believe I can exert some influence, and do much to assist the people in strengthening fraternal relations, and shall do all in my power to elevate every man, to depress none.
I want to elevate you to take positions in law offices, in stores, on farms, and wherever you are capable of going. I have not said anything about politics today. I don’t propose to say anything about politics. You have a right to elect whom you please; vote for the man you think best, and I think, when that is done, you and I are freemen. Do as you consider right and honest in electing men for office. I did not come here to make you a long speech, although invited to do so by you. I am not much of a speaker, and my business prevented me from preparing myself. I came to meet you as friends, and welcome you to the white people. I want you to come nearer to us. When I can serve you I will do so. We have but one flag, one country; let us stand together. We may differ in color, but not in sentiment. Many things have been said about me which are wrong, and which white and black persons here, who stood by me through the war, can contradict. Go to work, be industrious, live honestly and act truly, and when you are oppressed I’ll come to your relief. I thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for this opportunity you have afforded me to be with you, and to assure you that I am with you in heart and in hand.”
After the speech Forrest thanked Miss Lewis for the bouquet and kissed her on the cheek. This type of familiarity between the races in public was almost unheard of at the time. Forrest’s speech was probably motivated by his desire to become a Christian. As his health faltered and his time on Earth grew short, Forrest sought to make amends for some of his deeds, and I think this speech was part of his attempt. This speech was also the last appearance at a public event by Forrest as a speaker.