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The subject of this article:

General Nathan Bedford Forrest is an ancestor of Forrest Gump (who was named after him), a Civil War general and first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, According to the Forrest Gump film, Mrs. Gump named Forrest after him to remind him that "sometimes we all do things that just don't make no sense." 

Forrest is remembered as a self-educated, innovative cavalry leader during the war. He was charged with massacre of hundreds of surrendering black soldiers at Fort Pillow and was taken to task after the war. However, a Congressional inquiry failed to find evidence and cleared him of all charges. He was a pledged delegate from Tennessee to the New York Democratic national convention of the 4th of July 1868. He served as the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, but later renounced his membership and encouraged KKK members to do the same in a burning of the robes. General Forrest spent the remainder of his life preaching equality for all.

As Forrest Gump was a man who got several soldiers out of danger while fighting in the Vietnam War, later winning the Congressional Medal of Honor, it may have been possible that he inherited some of the military ability of General Forrest.

Novel[]

Upon hearing Forrest's name, educated tribesman Big Sam correctly guesses "famous Civil War General Nathan Bedford Forrest" as its inspiration.[1]

Film[]

In the film, General Forrest was briefly shown. He was played by Tom Hanks in a dual role.

Family[]

Mrs. Gump (great-grandaughter) X2

Forrest Gump (great grandson) X3

Little Forrest (great-grandson) X4

References[]

  1. Groom, Winston. Forrest Gump. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1986. Page 124. Print.
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