Our Day at Fort Pillow

Our most recent civil war adventure took us west to Fort Pillow located in Lauderdale, County Tennessee. The fort is known for a horrific massacre that took place there. It is named after General Gideon J. Pillow.

Ten of us went on this trip including my sister who had been unable to join us on previous trips. We were all so glad she was able to join us.

All the "girls" decided to pile in one car and the guys took another. I can't speak for the guys, but us "girls" had a great time gabbing away and singing together as we drove along behind the fellows. The snowy fields of cotton growing along the roadsides were a sight to see.

On our way we stopped by the Casey Jones Restaurant located in Jackson ,Tennessee for lunch. We enjoyed the food and a chance to stretch our legs a bit before we continued on our way.

After arriving at the park we had about an hour to tour the museum before closing. We watched a short documentary then toured the museum. The kids were excited to spend some of their money in the gift shop. My boys bought several new replica toy cannons. My daughter proving herself not only a princess but a practical one chose a pretty bracelet and a tin cup.

Before we left the museum we asked the lady working there for directions to the fort. She told us to follow the hiking trail outside the museum about a mile where we would find the fort. We followed it, but we all agreed she was WAY OFF on the mile part. It felt like TEN to some of us, and two of us walk a rather brisk four miles five days a week. It was quite a hike for sure!

Check out the link below to learn more about Fort Pillow.

http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/FortPillow/index.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Fort_Pillow

My father poses with his "grandtroops" in front of Fort Pillow.





My Nephew and Oldest

My son takes aim.

The Girls

Waiting to hike to the Fort

The kids really get into our civil war adventures!

My husband had just warned the children that the fort was an ideal place for snakes when a few minutes later my son heard the warning sound of a rattlesnake and quickly backed away.

We all kept a safe distance but were very curious to know where this rattler was headed.

I called the park service to let them know we had seen a rattlesnake at the fort, and to my surprise the ranger said they had a big problem at this park and the fort area in particular. They relocate them on a weekly basis.

He said they had a warning sign posted at the visitor's center.

We did not see it and still wonder why they don't post signs along the trail and at the fort itself. Thank goodness my oldest heard and heeded the snake's warning!

Fort Pillow

Our Family

My Sister and Her Children

My Oldest

Our Sweetie!

Posing in a west Tennessee cotton field.

I love the way the sunlight is laying on her curls.

Hmmm....... sure is pretty. Reminds me of where I grew up in Alabama.

Fun at Fort Negley

Hope you enjoy our photos below from our recent trip to Fort Negley.

We have been taking trips to famous civil war sites in Tennessee in the order in which the battles occured. Since we live close by and they had an actor portraying a Union soldier who had been garrisoned at Fort Negley we strayed from our plans and decided it would be a great time to visit.

My children and niece and nephew seemed quite impressed with the fort that sits atop a hill in downtown Nashville.

I'm sure they would have loved to run freely for hours throughout the ruins of this interesting site pretending to be in battle.

Before we took off on our hike around the fort the children were given a scavenger hunt by a park guide. We enjoyed finding all the points of interest as we made our way to the top.

If you are interested in learning more about Fort Negley check out the links below.

http://www.nashville.org/parks/historic/fortnegley/index.htm

Papaw and the grandchildren smile for a picture at the top of Fort Negley.










The boys enjoyed looking up their names to see if they could find any possible relatives who fought in the Civil War.

My daughter exploring the fort.

Checking out the view of Nashville from the fort.

After exploring and completing a scavenger hunt we enjoyed an actor who brought to life Sgt. John Hill Ferguson, a Union soldier garrisoned at Fort Negley.
He read from his personal journal.

Posing with "Sgt. John Hill Ferguson"

My dad capured this shot of me and the kids at the entrance of Fort Negley.

We stopped for one more picture before heading over to the Elliston Soda Shop for lunch.

Calling All Crows

We sure had fun creating this fall harvest scene that sits near the entrance of my parents' home.

I purchased the crows at a Michaels store and was pleased to see my design become reality.

Autumn Days

Bejeweled fairies spin around me

Twirling, dancing to the ground

Looking lovely all dressed up in God's gift of bright new autumn gowns.

Soft, brown creatures creep and chatter

looking for treasure in shades of brown.

Cool crisp breezes

Wake my senses

Smoky scents linger 'round.

Wheat fields golden, crunchy cornstalks,

Pumpkins marching in a row

Cozy blankets, bumpy hayrides

A sweetheart's warm hand to hold.

Sweet taste of apple on my lips

Soft and gentle fall's first kiss

autumn days are made of this.

By: Alana T.

copyrighted 2008