Ku Klux Klan is a name that perhaps everyone has heard at least once in their lifetime. Most associate this group with a terrible history of African American oppression and hatred through the use of grotesque methods of torture and killing. Some may wonder how and why such a horrible organization was formed. The name Nathan Bedford Forrest may not be one that is heard very often, but it is to this man who helped to get the Klan up and running in its early years.
Nathan Bedford Forrest served as a General for the Confederate army during the Civil War and was said to have been one of the strongest leaders of the Confederate army. Forrest was the oldest of nine children and was thrust into the role of caretaker after his father passed away when Forrest was just sixteen years old. 1 A tragedy such as this could take its toll on a young person, but instead of falling down, Forrest quickly began making a name for himself. He began by working with his uncle to trade horses and then later moved on to the business of buying and selling slaves and real estate. Forrest became very successful in his businesses and in turn became a very wealthy man. 2
When his home state of Tennessee made the decision to secede from the Union, Nathan Bedford Forrest wasted no time in volunteering as a private soldier. 3 He was well known in the area and moved up the ranks to earn his title of General rather quickly. Forrest was said to have been a fearless man who had no problems taking action quickly and forcefully. He thought of his men as his own flesh and blood and was quick to straighten them out if necessary. 4
The Ku Klux Klan was formed shortly after the Civil War ended and the group, like most groups in the South at the time, were attempting to oppress African Americans by any means necessary. A group such as this would need a leader who was not afraid to take charge and execute direction. It would appear the position of Grand Wizard for the Ku Klux Klan was a perfect fit for Forrest. Not only did Forrest have leadership and fighting experience but he was a former slave owner who had, very early on, made it his business to buy and sell slaves and had become very wealthy in the process. The Klan was still in its infancy when Forrest took position as the first Grand Wizard in 1867. However, this title would be short lived for Forrest as he decided to separate himself from the Klan in their early years after realizing the Klan was growing at a rapid rate and his authority would very soon no longer reign supreme. 5
The Ku Klux Klan would spend many years using different tactics to intimidate and oppress African Americans in the United States. It was not until Congress passed and began to carry out the Enforcement Acts that many of the activities carried out by the Klan finally began to decline. The Acts were put in place to help protect the rights of African Americans and hold all parties responsible who were caught attempting oppression. 6 Although Nathan Bedford Forrest only spent a short period of time with the Ku Klux Klan, it is possible that his popularity in the area allowed the organization to rise quickly and spread throughout the South.
- Jac Weller, “The Logistics of Nathan Bedford Forrest,” Military Affairs 17, no. 4 (1953): 162. ↵
- Weller, (1953): 162. ↵
- Richard Tillinghast, “Nathan Bedford Forrest: Born to Fight.” Sewanee Review 123, no. 4 (Fall 2015): 605 ↵
- Weller, (1953): 169. ↵
- Court Carney, “The Contested Image of Nathan Bedford Forrest.” The Journal of Southern History 67, no. 3 (2001): 603. ↵
- Alan Brinkley, American History: Connecting with the Past Volume 2, 15 edition. (McGraw-Hill Education, 2014): 414. ↵
71 comments
Megan Barnett
Great introduction! It really caught my attention especially since I had no idea what the article was going to be about. I found it strange that Forrest left as soon as the group was growing because it showed that he only wanted to be in charge and possibly didn’t really want to be a part of what the Ku Klux Klan was doing.
Crystalrose Quintero
A very surprising aspect to the article was that the first paragraph denotes Forrest as the one responsible for the birth of ku klux klan. With such a negative impression left, it was surprising to see a statue of him in Tennessee this had me wanting to read more. I like that the article used adjectives like “the grand wizard” to describe a leader like Forrest in such power. Although he passed shortly after, he was responsible for the birth of KKK and I enjoyed that the author was concise in describing how this came about. The first picture depicted really allows me imagine what power Forrest had and how it may have affected the world during that time.
Samuel Sanchez
This was a very well informed article. I never knew who was responsible for starting the Ku Klux Klan but now knowing the man that helped start it, kind of surprising. This man grew up with so much responsibility but yet of falling he rose up. It is ashamed he helped shape an oppressing group. It would be interesting to see if he hadn’t separated from the group? Overall interesting article. Keep up the good work.
Nahim Rancharan
This was a very informative article! The KKK is no doubt one of the largest hate groups in American history, whose actions have affected the lives of thousands, if not millions, in America. What was interesting about this article is that it provided an insight as to the origins of the Klan. Nathan Bedford Forrest is not an often noted man in American history, but it is even more difficult to see why a man who’s actions have led to the creation of the KKK is forgotten in history. This article does a great job at rectifying this issue. It also provides with a probable reason as to why Nathan would choose to partake in such a group, and given his upbringing and business experiences, it is easier to see why. Great Job on the article!
Mariana Govea
Great written article and was very easy to read and follow! I was well aware of the KKK but I never knew who it had started with and how but after reading your article you did more than a great job at explaining that! After reading and comprehending the article it makes sense why general Forrest took the responsibility of creating and leading the KKK his whole life he already had experience with working with slaves that this would just be another responsibility he had to fulfill which he already knew how to! As well as it helps explain how it became so successful and spread so easily because General Forrest knew exactly how to get stuff done and even though he did not last log he had the knowledge and experience to start with a strong foundation therefore when he left the Klan was already prospering!
Erick Martinez
This was a great article to read, it contained a lot of information I had no prior knowledge of. I never knew of the origins of the Ku Klux Klan, or how Nathan Bedford Forrest played a role in the rise of the Klan. It is fascinating to learn of how quickly Forrest was promoted to General, and understand why he was looked up upon and chosen to be a fearless leader.
Luke Trevino
The ku klux klan is an all around dark organization that America has allowed over the years! It was unknown to me how they started and who started it. I think Nathan Bedford quickly realized that he started a big organization that would soon cause a lot of problems that is why he left his position of rule! It is just truly said that such a great leader as Nathan Bedford. Plus start an organization so bad to harm innocent people. Overall very well written essay, good job!
Tyler Sleeter
Very informative article. I had never heard of Nathan Bedford Forrest even though the Ku Klux Klan is something we all learn about in school. I found it interesting that someone who came from such a poor childhood could grow up to be successful in business and in the Confederate Army. Reading that he was such a good leader he was able to be the first grand wizard of the KKK, I found it odd that he would step down because he thought that he could no longer control such a large organization.
Sergio Cervantes
This was a very interesting article. Before reading this, I had never heard of his name or knew anything about him. It was fascinating to read about his early childhood and see the types of difficulties he overcame whilst growing up. The fact that he was a Confederate general shows how much fame and influence he had to be elected the first grand wizard of the KKK. The description you gave over his bravery in battle reminds me of another famous Confederate general, Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson.
Johnanthony Hernandez
Great article, the formation of the Ku Klux Klan was a major turning point for racial tension that is still felt to day. There was a lot of great information on what led Nathan Bedford Forrest to form the Klan, but not much on how he formed the Klan and who he was recruiting into its rank, even though it goes without say who was joining.