Description: Program Schedule for July 6 - July 12 at Fort Pillow SHP
Location: Fort Pillow State Park
Fort Pillow State Historic Park
Friday, July 10, 2026
6:00 pm: Johnny Cakes/ Hoe Cakes: What did Confederate Civil War Soldiers eat? They did not receive hardtack as part of their rations, but they had a similar food made from cornmeal instead of wheat flour. Join seasonal ranger in the campground to make and taste Johnny Cakes/ Hoe Cakes.
7:00 pm: Chicory: What did Civil War Soldiers drink when coffee was scarce? Due to severe shortages of coffee shipments caused by Union naval blockades, residents and Confederate soldiers began mixing the roasted root of the chicory plant with their limited coffee supply to stretch rations. By the end of the war, it was all chicory. Join seasonal ranger at the picnic area pavilion to make and taste Chicory coffee.
Saturday, July 11, 2026 Civil War Food
12:00 pm: Hard Tack: What did Federal Civil War Soldiers eat? This food was issued as part of their rations and known as “sheet iron crackers” or “tooth duller” because it was so hard, or “worm castles” because insects would sometimes lay their eggs in it. Join seasonal ranger at the picnic area pavilion to make and taste Hard Tack.
2:00 pm: Museum Scavenger Hunt Part 3: Meet seasonal ranger at the museum for a scavenger hunt through the museum.
This interactive game guides visitors through exhibits using clues, trivia, and observation challenges to transform passive viewing into an active investigation, deepening your connection to the history on display. Reminder: Complete all 6 Museum Scavenger Hunts (one released each Friday) and turn in to redeem a special prize.
4:00 pm: Traveling Haversack: Watch for Seasonal Ranger Chris as he travels around with a chest full of Civil War items to show and explain.
6:00 pm: Molasses: How did Civil War Soldiers sweeten their food? Union blockades severely restricted the supply of cane sugar—especially in the South—so armies and civilians frequently substituted molasses in their baking, cooking, and daily diets. Join seasonal ranger at the picnic area pavilion to learn about and taste Molasses.
Sunday, July 12, 2026
6:00 am: Greet the Day: Meet seasonal ranger at the Butterfly Garden for a 4-mile out-and-back sunrise hike. The Chickasaw
Bluff Trail is a wonderful place where you can get out and experience history and incredible views of the Mississippi in one perfect Tennessee hike. The real reward of the hike is towards the trail's end when you get the grand view of the river. High on top of the cliffsides you will overlook the massive expanse of this mighty body of water. Bring water and bug spray.
10:00 am: Hike to the Restored Fortification: Meet the seasonal ranger at the museum for a short, informative round-trip hike
up to the newly restored fortification where most of the battle at Fort Pillow took place. Along the way, hikers will cross the newly installed 120-yard-long suspension bridge, which is the longest in the TN State Parks. There are All-terrain wheelchairs available that can be driven all the way to the Fort.
1:00 pm: Museum Tour and Video: Meet seasonal ranger at the museum for an informative tour through the exhibits, insight
into what a soldier would have carried in his pack, and to view the film on the Civil War battle Fort Pillow.
2:00 pm: Guided Float: Meet seasonal ranger at the lake for a guided kayak/canoe tour of the lakeshore and to discuss local
wildlife. $5.00
Event Document:
Download Information
Program Host: Fort Pillow State Historic Park
Contact Email: tyson.weller@tn.gov
Contact Phone: 731-738-5581
Meeting Place: 3122 Park Rd. Henning, Tn 38041