MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Memphis officials have removed a marker designating Forrest Park, saying the city never authorized placing it.
But a spokesman for the Sons of Confederate Veterans told The Commercial Appeal the marker the group helped dedicate in July was approved by former Memphis Park Services director Cynthia Buchanan.
The half-ton granite marker read simply "Forrest Park."
It identified the park, named for Confederate cavalry officer Nathan Bedford Forrest. Forrest later was instrumental in the Ku Klux Klan. There have been efforts to rename the park.
City Chief Administrative Officer George Little said he authorized the removal using city equipment because the marker had not been formally approved.
Sons spokesman Lee Millar said the marker didn't cost the government anything, but was worth about $9,000.
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Information from: The Commercial Appeal,
http://www.commercialappeal.com
