Dover, Tenn.–This weekend marks the 160th anniversary of the advance by the Union Army, under the Command of Brigadier General Ulysses Grant, and the partnered Mississippi River Squadron of gunboats, commanded by Flag Officer Andrew Foote, of the February 5 approach upon and February 6 battle for Confederate Forts Henry and Heiman.
Fort Donelson will be hosting programs in observance of the engagement that not only was the first victory of the Forts Henry, Heiman, and Donelson Campaign, but opened up the vital Tennessee River deep into the Confederate heartland.
Events are scheduled for Sunday, February 6 and next weekend:
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6
2:00 PM
The Battle of Fort Henry, February 6, 1862
(RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)
Location: Program at Sykes Museum/Stewart County Historical Society, 178 Cedar St., Dover, TN
On the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Henry, join Historian Susan “Ski” Witzofsky and Fort Donelson staff for a discussion on the battle that opened the Tennessee River for Union advancement deep into the Confederate heartland.
Participation is limited and requires reservations by calling 931-232-5706 ext. 0. _____________________________________________________________________
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Tangible History – Exhibit of Historical Items Related to the Forts Henry and Donelson Campaign
Location: Stewart County Visitor Center, 117 Visitor Center Dr., Dover, TN
View numerous, rarely on display historical items – such as uniforms, weapons, and historical imagery, and examples of munitions, provided by historians John and Nikki Walsh.
The practice of social distancing and the wearing of masks are encouraged while visiting the indoor exhibits.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
10:00 AM, 12:00, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM
Rumble On the River—Infantry and Artillery Drill and Demonstrations
Location: Fort Donelson NB Visitor Center
120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN
Step back to early 1862 and experience the sights and sounds of the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry demonstrating Civil War infantry and artillery drill and the firing of both period rifle and cannon. An encampment of the period and interpretation by rangers will also be on-site.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
11:30 AM
Exchanging “Iron Valentines”—The Naval Battles of Forts Henry and Donelson
Location: Lower River Battery, Tour Stop #4
Join long-time Park Historian (retired) and author Jim Jobe, viewing the same strategic perspective as the Confederate artillery 160 years before, as he vividly describes the iron-clad vs land battery engagements of February 13 and 14, the outcome of each, and their significance beyond that of Donelson.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
1:00 PM
The Confederate Breakout Attempt of February 15th – Ranger-Led Auto Caravan Tour
(RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)
Location to start: Stewart County Visitor Center, 117 Visitor Center Drive, Dover, TN
Follow the Confederate “Breakout” attempt of February 15, 1862, via a caravan tour led by Fort Donelson National Battlefield volunteer and historian Jim Vaughn. Was this a lost opportunity for Confederate escape or one of the great “blunders” of military leadership?
Participation is limited and requires reservations by calling 931-232-5706 ext. 0.
Caravan participants are to meet at the Stewart County Visitor Center 15 minutes prior to the start time.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
1:30 PM
“You came here to die”— Brigadier General Smith and the Taking of Fort Donelson
Location: Tour Stop # 5 Smith’s Attack, Fort Donelson NB
Learn from long-time Park Historian (retired) and author Jim Jobe about the challenges faced by Union regiments tasked with scaling, while under fire, this steep, snow-covered ridge, and taking possession of the entrenched line of Confederates above them.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13
11:00 AM
“The Agony Left Behind”—Field Hospitals and Medical Treatment at Fort Donelson
Location: Tour Stop # 10, Dover Hotel / “Surrender House,” 101 Petty Street, Dover, TN
Join rangers in learning of different injuries and afflictions common to the battlefield, and how the medical needs at Donelson necessitated formation of some of the war’s first field hospitals.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13
11:00 AM and 1:00 PM
“Load In Nine Times . . . Load!” — Infantry Drill and Firing
Location: Fort Donelson NB Visitor Center
120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN
Observe the 9th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry as they demonstrate marching, formations, tactical movements, and the nine-step process utilized to load and fire their weapons.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13
NOON
“Unconditional and Immediate . . .” – The Surrender of Fort Donelson
Location: Tour Stop # 10, Dover Hotel / “Surrender House,” 101 Petty Street, Dover, TN
The capture of Forts Henry and Donelson resulted in the first strategic Union victory of the Civil War.
Join Fort Donelson rangers as they share of the impact that the combined victory had on Union advancement deep into the Confederacy, the taking of thousands of Donelson prisoners, and how the victory propelled a little-known Brigadier General into the national spotlight – and soon after, the U.S. Presidency.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13
1:00 PM
“A Brisk and Galling Fire”– Brigadier General McClernand’s February 13 Assault on Maney’s Battery.
(RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)
Location: Park at the gravel pull-off at 229 Sandy Road, Dover, TN
Join historian Jim Vaughn at the strategic Maney’s Battery position as he shares of Union Brigadier General John McClernand’s unauthorized attack of February 13, 1862.
Note: The hike from parking to the program site involves a three-tenths of a mile, all uphill trail hike, rated as strenuous. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the hike.
Participation is limited and requires reservations by calling 931-232-5706 ext. 0.
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Book Signing – “The River Batteries at Fort Donelson: Construction, Armament and Battles, 1861-1862”
Location: Fort Donelson National Battlefield Visitor Center
120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN
Visit with the authors of the new book, “The River Batteries at Fort Donelson” at the park Visitor Center. The book will be available for purchase in the Eastern National bookstore, or you may bring your own copy from home.
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14
1:00 PM
“Unconditional and Immediate . . .” – The Surrender of Fort Donelson
Location: Tour Stop # 10, Dover Hotel / “Surrender House,” 101 Petty Street, Dover, TN
The capture of Forts Henry and Donelson resulted in the first strategic Union victory of the Civil War.
Join Fort Donelson rangers as they share of the impact that the combined victory had on Union advancement deep into the Confederacy, the taking of thousands of Donelson prisoners, and how the victory propelled a little-known Brigadier General into the national spotlight – and soon after, the U.S. Presidency.
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14
2:30 PM
Exchanging “Iron Valentines”—The February 14th Battle Between Ironclads & River Batteries
Location: Lower River Battery, Tour Stop #4
Join long-time Park Historian (retired) and author Jim Jobe, on the 160th Anniversary – at the very location, on the very date, and at the exact time that the fierce battle between the ironclad gunboats and the powerful and fortified heavy artillery battled it out in a new type of warfare.
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15
11:00 AM
“You came here to die”— Brigadier General Smith and the Taking of Fort Donelson
Location: Tour Stop # 5 Smith’s Attack, Fort Donelson NB
Learn from historian and author Greg Biggs about the challenges faced by Union regiments tasked with scaling, while under fire, this steep, snow-covered ridge, and taking possession of the entrenched line of Confederates above them.
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15
1:00 PM
The Confederate Breakout Attempt of February 15th – Ranger-Led Auto Caravan Tour
(RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)
Location to start: Stewart County Visitor Center, 117 Visitor Center Drive, Dover, TN
Follow the Confederate “Breakout” attempt of February 15, 1862, via a caravan tour led by Fort Donelson National Battlefield volunteer and historian Jim Vaughn. Was this a lost opportunity for Confederate escape or one of the great “blunders” of military leadership?
Participation is limited and requires reservations by calling 931-232-5706 ext. 0.
Caravan participants are to meet at the Stewart County Visitor Center 15 minutes prior to the start time.
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16
11:00 AM
“Recollections of the Battle – The Approach of Victory,” an Interview with General Grant
Location: Tour Stop # 10, Dover Hotel / “Surrender House,” 101 Petty Street, Dover, TN
Join us at the historic Surrender House for the first of two programs with Brigadier General Grant. The General will be interviewed by historian John Walsh and share of his recollections of the battle and of his actions leading to the victory of Confederate Fort Donelson.
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16
2:00 PM
“Recollections of February 16, 1862 – The Surrender and What Followed,” an Interview with General Grant
Location: Tour Stop # 10, Dover Hotel / “Surrender House,” 101 Petty Street, Dover, TN
Attend the second portion of an interview between Brigadier General Grant and historian John Walsh.
Reflecting about the surrender by Confederate Brigadier General Buckner to him at this very location, “Unconditional Surrender Grant” will share about February 16, 1862, the taking of over 13,000 prisoners, and how the victory propelled the then little-known Brigadier General into the national spotlight – and soon after, the U.S. Presidency.
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About the image: The attached image is a montage of eight photographs showing scenes of activities from previous Fort Donelson anniversary-related programs. Shown are examples of artillery fire, ranger hikes, historian programs, battle lectures in the field, a demonstration of an infantry charge, artillery firing, youth learning the steps in operating a Civil War cannon, and the camp of the soldiers.