THE GEN. JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON CAMP #28

Nathan Bedford Forrest Memorial Park

On July 11, 1998, the General Joseph E. Johnston Camp # 28 completed one of the camps most ambitious projects - the unveiling of the Nathan Bedford Forrest Equestrian Statue at Nathan Bedford Forrest Memorial Park.

More than 400 sons and daughters of the South remembered the Dixie of their ancestors and their favorite Tennessee War Hero. Hundreds of Confederate battle flags waved and voices sang " Dixie " as the statue was unveiled.

"He's crying, "Follow me!" " said artist Jack Kershaw. The statue stands between 13 battle flags and 13 Confederate flags. The horse and rider stand 25 feet high ( twice life-size ) with the horse in gold leaf and Forrest in silver leaf.

The land and the flags were donated by Compatriot William Dorris.

Nathan Bedford Forrest by Jack Kershaw

The historic event was witnessed by several prominent people. In attendance was Alberta Martin, said to be the last surviving widow of a Confederate soldier.

State Senator Douglas Henry and Nelson Winbush, the black grandson of a slave holder who fought under Forrest, also attended.

Participating in the unveiling were 40 other SCV camps, the United Daughters of the Confederacy and 10 re-enactment groups in period dress. The project was sponsored by The Southern League, The Mary Noel Kershaw Foundation, and all interested chapters of S.C.V. and U.D.C.

The Forrest Equestrian Statue and Memorial Park is located on Interstate 65 two miles north of Brentwood, Tennessee and seven miles south of Nashville.