Named for Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest, the town was laid out in 1869. It actually began in 1867 as Forrest's Camp, in the area Forrest made his headquarters while serving as contractor for completion of the railroad through the area. The town was incorporated in 1871 and became the county seat in 1874. Area was home to musicians Charlie Rich and Reverend Al Green, as well as prizefighter Sonny Liston.
