Dover, Tenn.–A packed schedule is on tap for Sunday and into next week as Fort Donelson Military Battlefield continues to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Donelson, which occurred February 12-16, 1862.
Events were held Saturday and they will continue Sunday and through next week.
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.
Photo from Saturday’s events by Kathy Taylor.