Fielding Hurst

I find the country troublesome to picket, as there are innumerable by-ways and paths leading in every direction, and a man like Hurst, who is piloting the Federals about, or any of his gang, can take a body almost anywhere unobserved if they once learn the points picketed. 
-- Brigadier General Samuel B. Maxey, C.S.A.

Even in the 21st Century, the name Fielding Hurst evokes images of terror for descendants of Confederate soldiers and civilians whose ancestors were unfortunate enough to cross paths with he and his Southern Unionist regiment, the Sixth Tennessee Cavalry. They despise him and what he did -- side with the enemy during the American Civil War -- and for what he became, a man bent on vengeance through murder and destruction against his former friends, neighbors, and secessionists.

Legends has enveloped and distorted Hurst's actions in southwest Tennessee and north Mississippi. They claim he extorted thousands from defenseless citizens and threatened to burn their homes to the ground, that he beheaded his enemies and stuck their heads atop mile posts, and that he murdered defenseless civilians, men women, and children.

But what's true and what's myth?

This page is still under construction. Please check back in a few days for a
biographical sketch of Fielding Hurst.