Fort Pillow National Battlefield Park Study Act

Bill Number

H.R. 926

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-01-14: Subcommittee Hearings Held

Last Updated

2026-01-15T09:06:58Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation, titled the "Fort Pillow National Battlefield Park Study Act," aims to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of Fort Pillow Historic State Park in Henning, Tennessee. The study will assess the site's national importance in American Civil War history, particularly the 1864 Battle and Massacre at Fort Pillow, and evaluate whether it should be designated as a unit of the National Park System (a network of federally protected historic and natural sites managed by the National Park Service).

Key Provisions

• Short Title: The Act is officially named the "Fort Pillow National Battlefield Park Study Act."
• Congressional Findings: The bill outlines historical facts, including:
• Fort Pillow was built by Confederate forces in 1861 and was the site of a Civil War battle on April 12, 1864.
• Confederate troops massacred Union soldiers, including many from the United States Colored Troops (USCT, African American soldiers), after surrendering, violating a flag of truce.
• The massacre killed around 300-400 Union troops, mostly in cold blood, and became a rallying point for the 209,147 USCT soldiers who helped the Union win the war.
• The site became a Tennessee state park in 1971, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974. It spans 1,642 acres and includes a Civil War museum, hiking trails, camping, and picnic areas.
• The site is deemed worthy of national recognition for its role in preserving the United States.
• Special Resource Study: The Secretary of the Interior must:
• Evaluate the site's national significance, focusing on its Civil War history and the Fort Pillow Massacre.
• Assess the suitability (how well it fits national preservation goals) and feasibility (practicality in terms of cost, management, and resources) of making it a National Battlefield Park under the National Park System.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces no immediate changes to current laws but initiates a formal evaluation process under Section 100507 of Title 54, United States Code (part of the National Park Service Organic Act, which authorizes studies for potential park additions). If the study recommends designation, future legislation would be needed to amend the National Park System boundaries and transfer management from Tennessee state control to federal oversight. Currently, the site is state-managed and already protected as a historic landmark, but federal designation would elevate its status without altering existing state protections during the study phase.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior (via the National Park Service) would lead the study, potentially increasing federal involvement in site management if designated. This could involve federal funding for preservation, interpretation, and visitor services, while coordinating with Tennessee state parks.
• Citizens: Enhanced federal recognition could boost tourism, education, and public access to Civil War history, particularly the contributions and sacrifices of African American soldiers. Local communities in Henning, Tennessee, might see economic benefits from increased visitors but could face changes in site use (e.g., restrictions on development).
• International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic historical preservation.
• Overall, the study could lead to better long-term protection of the site, preventing erosion or neglect, and promote national awareness of underrepresented Civil War events.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Government: Secretary of the Interior and National Park Service, responsible for conducting and funding the study.
• State and Local Government: Tennessee state parks authority (current site manager) and Henning community, which could gain resources but lose some autonomy if federally designated.
• Historical and Community Groups: Descendants of USCT soldiers, Civil War historians, preservation organizations (e.g., those involved in the National Register of Historic Places), and educators who benefit from expanded interpretive programs.
• General Public: American citizens interested in history, particularly those focused on racial justice and Civil War narratives.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The bill aligns with existing federal authority under the Historic Sites Act of 1935 and National Park Service laws to study and designate sites of national importance. It requires no new funding authorization beyond standard agency resources for such studies, avoiding budget conflicts.
• Constitutional: No direct implications, as it involves Congress's enumerated power to manage federal lands and promote general welfare through historical preservation (Article I, Section 8).
• Political: The legislation emphasizes the site's role in highlighting racial violence and African American military contributions during the Civil War, potentially advancing discussions on historical equity. Introduced by a bipartisan group of representatives, it reflects broad support for commemorating underrepresented histories without mandating action, keeping it non-controversial at this stage. If designated, it could influence how the U.S. interprets and teaches Civil War events nationally.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]

Cosponsors (14)

Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]

Recent Actions

• 2026-01-14: Subcommittee Hearings Held
• 2026-01-07: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
• 2025-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• 2025-02-04: Introduced in House
• 2025-02-04: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Fort Pillow National Battlefield Park Study Act — issued 2025-02-04 — PDF (4 pages)