Controversy over racial symbols in government raises questions locally
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BENTON COUNTY, Tenn. — The aftermath of a racially charged massacre in South Carolina is raising questions about racial symbols still used by government entities today. “I had relatives on both sides of the [Civil] War,” Marian Heath said. “I thought it was a terrible tragedy, but the history is there and the flag is part of it.” As the movement spreads, questions arise in Benton County — does a state park named after Nathan Bedford Forrest represent history or hate? “I know that he was a war hero and that he won a naval battle,” Heath said. “I think he needs to be remembered for that, not necessarily what happened after the war.” When the Civil War ended, Forrest became the leader of the Ku Klux Klan. Now his name is back in conversation. “He is a hero, and the park needs to stay the same and honor his memory for what he did in the war,” Heath said. The Tennessee State Park Service refused to comment on whether the park has been mentioned in any potential protests.
