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
Bryce Cardwell
I found this article to be very surprising. I have always wondered how the Klu Klux Klan began, and with a story like Nathan Bedford’s it is easy to see how one event can change a whole persons life and beliefs. The Klu Klux Klan is still present today, and seeing that it began around 1860 is very eye-opening that an organization of this nature is still surviving today.
Aylin Salinas
I had never heard of Nathan Bedford before this! I am astonished by the fact that he came from such a hardship in his life of having to care for his family and provide for them because of the death of his father to the leader of the KKK! Of course the KKK was a terrible group of individuals but the fact that Bedford became so successful is really quite amazing. Great article! You really showed how Bedford faced an adversity and was able to come out of it and become very wealthy!
Roberto Tijerina
I just had to come back and re-read this article. It’s a phenomenal piece. It’s caught my attention and it inspired me to do a little of my own research. It’s interesting to know just how this organization formed. Such a weird backstory.
Diana Moreno-Gutierrez
Great article, it is interesting how Nathan Bedford started from humble beginnings with the right mindset such as hard work, yet still believed in the oppression of African Americans. Overall, the article flowed nicely and summarized Nathan Bradford well.
Analina Devora
Interesting hearing the backstory of such a person. It’s bizarre thinking the founder of the Klu Klux Klan was once an innocent child who was responsible but grew up to be someone who wasn’t so great.
Soki Salazar
It was a very well written article. I wish there was more information on to how he was appointed to be the leader.
Steven Clinton
Overall I think it was a well written article but I wish that it would go into detail about his role in being Grand Wizard of the Ku-Klux-Klan.
Jacob Hall
This was an excellent piece, the only one thing that I would do differently would be to add more information on Nathan’s involvement in the clan. other than that the article is really good.
Christopher Repka
A good objective article on the beginnings of the Ku Klux Klan, and on Nathan Bedford’s place in that history. Perhaps some more time could have been spent discussing his actions in the KKK.
Adrian Montalvo
Overall, the article is articulated well. The only feedback I’d have would be to conclude on a more stronger point. Perhaps include information on what Forrest did after he left the Klan seeing as how the article is solely based on his life.