Fielding Hurst

Fiedling Hurst (1810-1882) was a Union loyalist from Tennessee, who led a cavalry regiment during the American Civil War. His Sixth Cavalry earned a reputation for visiting harsh punishment upon his pro-Confederate neighbors. Even after his death, Hurst's name continues to be villified in his home state.

In 1864, Hurst had attacked and burned Jackson, Tennesee. He was subsequently met and driven out of Jackson by Nathan Bedford Forrest.

Many in Fort Pillow, Major Bill Bradford among them, were aware unnerved by Hurst's defeat, especially as Hurst's men were more seasoned than most of those in the fort itself.