NATHAN BEDFORD FORREST
CAMP 215

HISTORY

     The N. B. Forrest Camp 215, Sons of Confederate Veterans, was organized in 1901, just prior to the first Memphis Reunion, the Camp taking an active and prominent part in that Reunion, and also in the Reunion of 1909. The first Commander of the Camp was Bishop Thos. Gailor, with E. Armistead Collier, Jr. as adjutant. Some of the most prominent citizens of Memphis have served as officers in the Forrest Camp, and for many years been the mainstay of the Confederation.

     The Members of the Camp contributed liberally to the building of the Forrest monument, and several entertainments were given under the auspices of the Camp that resulted in raising money for that purpose. The Sons of the Veterans have contributed liberally to the aid of the Veterans, and all the resources of the Camp are used for that purpose.

     It has the unique record of being the only Camp in the organization that has given two Commanders-in-Chief to the Confederation, John W. Apperson serving two terms and J. P. Norfleet one.

     The Sons of the Confederate Veterans decided to establish in some city in the South the permanent headquarters of the organization, and in 1916 the various cities of the South were asked to submit invitations. The cities of Birmingham, Montgomery, Richmond, Dallas, New Orleans, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis submitted bids, and after due consideration Memphis was chosen, and has since remained the General Headquarters of the entire organization.

     N. B. Forrest was elected the permanent Adjutant General of the Sons, and has served in that capacity ever since. The Camp has a membership of over 700, and is considered the head of the entire organization.

Copied From: "On to Birmingham Confederate Veterans" by, The Confederate Historical Association & Camp 28, UCV. Printed 1916.

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