Fort Pillow State Park

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Fort Pillow State Park is a state park in western Tennessee.

The 1,642 acre (6.6 km²) Fort Pillow, located in Lauderdale County on the Chickasaw Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, is rich in both historic and archaeological significance. In 1861, the Confederate Army built extensive fortifications here and named the site for General Gideon J. Pillow of Maury County. Because of its strategic location, the fort was taken by the Union Army who controlled it during most of the war. Remains of the earthworks are well-preserved.

The State Park has an Interpretive Center/Museum (open 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily, except for certain holidays). Tours of the museum and restored fortifications are available upon request. The Park also offers many recreational activities, including camping, picnicing and fishing.

The nearby Alex Haley House and Museum is located nearby in Henning, TN. The front porch where the young Haley heard the oral accounts of his family history going back to West Africa that inspired Haley to write his celebrated book, Roots: The Saga of an American Family.