In the wake of a flap about the Confederate battle flag throughout the South, the City of Memphis is considering removing from a public park not just a monument dedicated to Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, but also his grave.
A Memphis city council committee voted unanimously to approve ordinances to remove the statue -- which depicts Forrest mounted on his horse -- and the grave, according to The Commercial Appeal.
But the effort faces a number of hurdles before it can be approved. The statue ordinance requires approval from the Memphis City Council and the Tennessee Historical Commission. The grave moving requires approval from the council, a Tennessee court, and the Forrest family, the Commercial Appeal reported.
Forrest's remains were originally located at Elmwood Cemetery, but they were moved to the memorial park in the early 20th century. The park, Health Sciences Park, was originally called Forrest Park, but in 2013, it and a handful of other parks named to honor Confederates were renamed.
According to the Commercial Appeal, Forrest's remains might be moved back to Elmwood Cemetery.
Forrest was known for his tactics and leadership as a cavalry leader, and for his horsemanship. He surrendered his forces May 9, 1865, in Gainesville, Ala., on the banks of the Tombigbee River.
