Who was a prominent figure associated with the establishment of the Ku Klux Klan?

Nathan Bedford Forrest is widely recognized as a prominent figure associated with the establishment of the Ku Klux Klan. As a Confederate general during the Civil War, he became one of the original leaders of the Klan when it was founded in 1866 in Tennessee. His involvement in the organization was significant as he helped to shape its early direction and contributed to its expansion across the South. The Klan emerged during the Reconstruction era as a response to the societal changes following the Civil War, aiming to maintain white supremacy and resist the integration of African Americans into society.

In contrast, the other figures listed did not have a foundational role in the Klan. Robert E. Lee, while a notable Confederate general, was not directly involved with the Klan's creation or activities. William T. Sherman, known for his harsh military tactics during the Civil War, primarily focused on military strategy and did not engage with the Klan. Jefferson Davis, as the President of the Confederate States, was more concerned with the political and military direction of the Confederacy rather than the activities of the Klan specifically.