PA SR79

Pennsylvania Senate recognizes April 12, 2025, as the 161st anniversary of the Fort Pillow Massacre, honoring fallen Union soldiers killed during the Civil War battle

On April 12, 1864, approximately 1,500-2,000 Confederate soldiers led by General Nathan Bedford Forrest attacked Fort Pillow, Tennessee, which was defended by more than 600 Union servicemen, approximately half of whom were Black soldiers

Approximately 300 Union soldiers who had surrendered were killed instead of being taken as prisoners of war, with about 200 of the dead being Black servicemen

Congressional investigation found 70% of White soldiers survived the battle while only 35% of Black soldiers survived, with wounds indicating point-blank executions

The massacre led to the Union's refusal to participate in further prisoner exchanges and inspired Black servicemen to adopt "Remember Fort Pillow" as a battle cry