Dover, TN – Through February 18, the public is invited to attend several free programs commemorating the 156th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Donelson at the Fort Donelson National Battlefield in Dover.
“Fort Donelson National Battlefield is thrilled to announce multiple tours, walks, special programs, and demonstrations to commemorate one of the most significant campaigns of the American Civil War,” Superintendent Brian McCutchen said.
National Park volunteers, authors, historians, and national park staff will lead a variety of programs to commemorate the 156th Anniversary of the Campaigns for Forts Henry, Heiman, and Donelson. Highlights of this year’s events include caravan tours led by author and professor Kendall Gott, and presentations by retired Fort Donelson Historian Jim Jobe and Dr. Michele Butts, and artillery and musket firing programs featuring the 9th Kentucky Infantry.
Fort Donelson is also excited to welcome back Kendall D. Gott, Senior Historian and instructor at the Combat Studies Institute, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and author of How the South Lost the War. Reservations are required for his 9:00 am Battlefield Caravan Tour on Saturday, February 17. Please call 931-232-5706 x 0 to reserve your spot.
Also included in this year’s programming are two Civil War camps; the Union camp will be located near the main park entrance, and the Confederate camp will be located inside the historic fort (Tour Stop #3).
Here is the schedule of events:
Wednesday, February 14
Interpretive Hike at Fort Donelson, 11:00 am, Park Ranger
Meet at Tour Stop #3
A total 1/2 to 3/4 mile walk along the river batteries and the Cumberland River. The majority of the walk is relatively easy, but there may be areas that can be moderate or challenging for some. Please dress appropriately and wear proper footwear for such an adventure.
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Thursday, February 15
The African American Story at Fort Donelson Caravan Driving Tour, 2:30 pm, Park Ranger
Meet at Tour Stop #3
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Friday, February 16
“A Surrender Most Disgraceful,” 11:30 am, Jim Jobe, retired Fort Donelson Historian
Tour Stop #10
Galvanized Yankees from Fort Donelson, 1:00 pm, Dr. Michele Butts, Professor of History, Austin Peay State University.
Held at the Stewart County Visitor Center, 117 Visitors Center Drive, Dover, Tennessee
The Gunboats at Fort Donelson, 2:15 pm, Jim Jobe, retired Fort Donelson
Tour Stop #4
Everything You Need to Know about Ironclad Gunboats: Construction & Weaponry, 3:15 pm, Kendall Gott, Historian
Tour Stop #4
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Saturday, February 17
Battlefield Caravan Driving Tour, 9:00 am, Kendall Gott, Historian
Meet at Stewart County Visitor Center, 117 Visitor Center Drive, Dover, TN
Fort Donelson Soldiers in Camp, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Confederate encampment in Historic Fort Donelson near Tour Stop #3
Infantry and Artillery Demonstrations, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00
Main Park Entrance, 120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, Tennessee
Ninth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (US)
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Sunday, February 18
Encampment of the Ninth Kentucky Infantry, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm near Main Park Entrance
Ninth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (US)
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In case of inclement weather check the park’s Facebook page for updates,https://www.facebook.com/fortdonelsonnps, or by calling the park’s event/weather line at 931-232-0827. Visit www.nps.gov/fodo for updates to the park’s calendar and a complete listing of Anniversary events, or contact the Ranger staff at 931-232-5706 x 0.
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