DOVER, Tenn. — From February 7 to 16, the National Park Service will host special events at Fort Donelson National Battlefield to mark the 164th anniversary of the 1862 Campaign for Forts Henry, Heiman and Donelson. The campaign opened the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers to Union control and elevated Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant to national prominence.
Anniversary programming includes guided hikes, artillery demonstrations, living history programs, interpretive talks and an auto caravan tour of the battlefield. All programs are free and open to the public.
With often changing weather conditions in February, visitors should dress for conditions of the day and wear appropriate footwear. Weather related program adjustments or cancelations will post at nps.gov/fodo and on the park’s Facebook page. Event status information is also available by calling the visitor center at 931-232-5706.
Anniversary Program Schedule
Saturday, Feb. 7
Rediscovering the Fort Donelson Landscape of 1862 — 9 a.m.
Location: Fort Donelson National Cemetery, 174 National Cemetery Dr., Dover
Join in this program to see how historic maps and accounts, combined with archeological survey and technology, identify the “what was where” 1862 landscape of the Fort Donelson battlefield.
Protecting the Tennessee — 2 p.m.
Location: Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Fort Henry Trailhead (parking at gravel parking off Boswell Landing Road, .4 miles north of intersection with Service Road 232. Watch for Park Ranger directing parking)
Join park rangers for a guided hike to an overlook of the flooded remains of Fort Henry. From this vantage point, rangers will discuss the Feb. 6, 1862, battle for control of the Tennessee River and the heart of the Confederacy. The trail is uneven in places; sturdy footwear is recommended.
Saturday, Feb. 14
From Arrogance to Tragedy: The Failed Attempt for Maney’s Battery — 10 a.m.
Location: Battery Trail parking circle, 229 Sandy Road, Dover, Tennessee
This 0.6-mile, round-trip ranger-led hike examines one of the more ill-planned and deadly Union actions of the battle. An attack ordered by Union Brig. Gen. John A. McClernand failed and left the commander with several battered regiments. The route includes steep and uneven terrain; appropriate footwear is recommended.
Rumble on the River: Artillery and Infantry Drill and Firing Demonstrations — 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Location: 120 Fort Donelson Park Road
Rangers and living history volunteers will demonstrate Civil War artillery firing procedures and illustrate how cannons were used during the campaign. Ear protection is recommended.
Exchanging “Iron Valentines”: The Naval Battles of Forts Henry and Donelson — 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Location: Lower River Battery, Tour Stop 4
Historian and author Jim Jobe will discuss the intense engagements between Federal ironclads and Confederate shore batteries. These actions transformed riverine warfare during the Civil War.
A Surgeon’s Dilemma: Life, Limb and Loss — 2:30 p.m.
Location: Dover Hotel, 101 Petty Street, Dover, Tour Stop 10
Join in discussion about the field hospitals that arose across the battlefield that arose across the battlefield before and after the surrender, learning of the logistics, period medical procedures, and individuals who went above and beyond in their care of the wounded.
Recollections of the Battle: An Interview with Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant — 4 p.m.
Location: Dover Hotel (Surrender House), Tour Stop 10, 101 Petty St., Dover
Step inside the historic Surrender House and observe Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant tells a correspondent about the campaign and the events that led to Union victory, national fame and eight years in the White House.
Sunday, Feb. 15
“You Came Here to Die”: Brig. Gen. Charles F. Smith and the Taking of Fort Donelson — 11 a.m.
Location: Smith’s Attack, Tour Stop 5
Rangers and historians will recount the determined Union assault up a snow-covered ridge and explain how the attack sealed Union success and a Confederate defeat.
Following the Breakout: Auto Caravan Tour of the Confederate “Breakout” (reservations required) — 1 p.m.
Starting location: Stewart County Public Library parking lot, 102 Natcor Drive, Dover
This guided driving tour follows the events of the Confederate breakout attempt of Feb. 15, 1862. Participants will follow park rangers and historians in their own vehicles to key sites across the battlefield. Space is limited; reservations are required. Call 931-232-5706 or stop at the visitor center during regular operating hours.
A Surgeon’s Dilemma: Life, Limb and Loss — 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Location: Dover Hotel, 101 Petty Street, Dover, Tour Stop 10
Join in discussion about the field hospitals that arose across the battlefield that arose across the battlefield before and after the surrender, learning of the logistics, period medical procedures, and individuals who went above and beyond in their care of the wounded.
Monday, Feb. 16
An Unprecedented Victory: The Surrender at Fort Donelson — 11 a.m.
Location: Dover Hotel (“Surrender House”), Tour Stop 10, 101 Petty St., Dover
Join rangers to learn about the historic surrender that took place at the Dover Hotel and about the meeting of Confederate commanders to decide the fate of their army. The decision to surrender changed the course of the Civil War, and the landing below the hotel witnessed thousands of prisoners of war boarding boats for prison camps.
Pillow and Buckner: Command Decisions and Consequences — 1 p.m.
Location: 418 Cedar St., Dover
This program explores the Confederate attacks near Wynn’s Ferry Road and how the strained relationship between Brig. Gens. Gideon Pillow and Simon Buckner affected the Confederate surrender.
“…for us to be dedicated…”: Fort Donelson National Cemetery — 2:30 p.m.
Location: Fort Donelson National Cemetery, Tour Stop 11, 174 National Cemetery Drive, Dover
Learn about the history of Fort Donelson National Cemetery and how it was part of a new national effort to memorialize Union Civil War dead.
