Forrest and NOT the KKK

There is ample documentation and testimony that six ex-veterans, NOT including Nathan Bedford Forrest, began the Ku Klux Klan. Forrest was not even aware of the group’s beginnings.

Study of the KKK in the 1800’s of America shows that there is NO corroborating evidence that N. B. Forrest was ever a leader of the Klan NOR that he was ever even a member. None.

In addition, an 1871 United States Congressional Investigation completely exonerates Forrest and it was determined in the investigation that Forrest was not a leader of the KKK nor had ever been a leader, and additionally, that he was not ever a member of the Klan.
The outcome of the 1871 investigation was twofold. The committee found no evidence that Forrest had participated in the formation of the Klan and that even the use of his name may well have been without his permission. They also found that there was no credible evidence that Forrest had ever participated in or directed any actions of the Klan.

“The reports of Committees, House of Representatives, second session, forty-second congress,” P. 7-449.

Congressional records show that Gen. Forrest was absolved of all complicity in the founding or operation of the Ku Klux Klan, and he was certainly never a “Grand Wizard”. These committees had the utmost evidence and living witnesses at their disposal. The evidence precluded any Guilt or indictment of Gen. Forrest and the matter was closed before that body of final judgment in 1872. New York Times newspaper. Library of Congress