Parker's Crossroads In West Tennessee's New Battlefield Park

By Gregory L. Wade

PARKERS CROSSROADS, Tenn. — More than 200 acres of West Tennessee farmland was recently dedicated as a new state park — Parker's Crossroads Battlefield Park.

Attended by more than 150 supporters on a hot June day, the dedication featured remarks by many of those responsible for the evolution of the battlefield some 70 miles east of Memphis along Interstate 40.

State legislator Steve McDaniel is widely given credit as a leader in the community's efforts to recognize the December 1862 battle that took place there. Noting that the work of park preservation is not over, McDaniel said, "Almost 2,000 acres in the area are designated to be of national significance. We can't save it all, but we must continue to preserve and protect this land for generations to come."

The Parker's Crossroads Battlefield Association (PCBA) was organized in 1993 when there was virtually no park in the future, only a vision. Making it seemingly a hopeless cause was Interstate I-40 that cuts the park in half.

The group saw that as an opportunity as well and many believe it can even be an advantage. Susan Whitaker, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, noted that "80 million people a year [on I-40] will be able to include a heritage side trip of some type to the area." About 70,000 vehicles pass by every day making for obvious tourism potential.

The Battle of Parker's Crossroads took place on New Year's Eve, 1862, after Union Colonels John Fuller and Cyrus Dunham's brigades were ordered to defeat troops led by Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest.

Forrest's units had marched throughout West Tennessee in an attempt to destroy Gen. U.S. Grant's communications, which were part of Grant's Vicksburg campaign. The Southerners were effective, inflicting over 2,500 Union casualties and capturing stores of supplies, ammunition and stock.

After a series of movements, Forrest faced Dunham's position on Dec. 31 and ordered a strong artillery attack on the Union forces while working his way to Dunham's rear. Unknown to Forrest, Colonel Fuller's entire brigade of Ohioans arrived and slipped in behind the Confederates. Forrest found himself surrounded.

When told of his predicament, the general uttered the cry that only added to his reputation as a fierce fighter: "Charge them both ways!" The Confederates did just that, creating enough confusion in the Union command to make good their escape.

Several groups besides the PCBA were instrumental in saving acreage. In 2001 the Tennessee State Lands Acquisition Fund and the American Battlefield Protection Program purchased 56 acres. And in 2005 the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) bought 40 acres with plans to turn it over to the state and the park.

Members of PCBA were recognized for their on-site labor in restoring the land to its Civil War appearance. And it was PCBA leadership, including McDaniel, who kept the property high profile.

Dedication speakers included preservationists from all walks including Tennessee Historical Commission Chairman Norm Hill, himself an African American Union reenactor. He called on people in the crowd to become preservation activists and noted by virtue of their interest that they also had an obligation.

"Read, read, read," he told the crowd, "so you will know what you are talking about." Discussing the importance of saving our history he said it is very important to satisfy a "historical curiosity" and record that history, share it, be involved in historical preservation and support it financially.

CWPT President James Lighthizer shared how he and Representative McDaniel first met in 2000 and began to investigate with the state ways to come up with funds to assist the preservation initiative. Lighthizer noted the work and sacrifice of the men who fought at Parker's Crossroads as well as the sacrifices made by those hoping to preserve the land in their memory.

"They restored the battlefield. Not just for themselves, but for future generations. It means this sacred ground will be preserved forever. People can come and remember. Future generations will not be able to meet future challenges without hearing from the past," he said.

A living history program as part of the celebration was held on battle ground in the north area of Parker's Crossroads now used as a city park.

Parker's Crossroads Battlefield Park has more than two miles of well-maintained walkways providing easy access to battlefield interpretive signs. Much of the acreage is well away from the interstate noise and view.

Over 1,200 feet of restored split rail fencing marks where Colonel Dunham's men fought to hold their ground. Visitors can also read new signs at auto tour stops that describe crucial areas of the battle. The battlefield also has a bookstore and gift shop.

For more information go to www.parkerscrossroads.com