“The Keys to the Gateway into her own Territory”

“The Keys to the Gateway into her own Territory”    The Campaign for Forts Henry and Donelson involved navigating almost 70 miles of rivers and roads, as well as coordinating thousands of troops, a river fleet, and almost a dozen commanders. Fighting took place in multi......More

“The Keys to the Gateway into her own Territory”    The Campaign for Forts Henry and Donelson involved navigating almost 70 miles of rivers and roads, as well as coordinating thousands of troops, a river fleet, and almost a dozen commanders. Fighting took place in multiple areas over a sizable portion of land and on the water. This complex campaign skyrocketed Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant to fame and marked the beginning of the end for the Confederacy in the western theater. This “Battlefield in a Box” program is an interactive visual program designed to allow visitors to participate in telling the story. Visitors attending the program can expect to better understand what took place and where it happened while having a memorable experience! The program is open to groups and people of all ages and is an excellent program for families. Programs are subject to staffing availability. In the interest of safety, in the event of inclement weather, programs are subject to cancelation. Information as to program status will be available online, or by contacting the Ranger office at 931-232-0576.

Education Pavilion near the Visitor Center120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN 37058

“...for us to be dedicated...to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion…”

After the battle ended at Fort Donelson soldiers began burying the dead and searching for ways to honor the fallen. During and after the war the United States government worked to honor Union soldiers by establishing National Cemeteries across the nation. Fort Donelson ......More

After the battle ended at Fort Donelson soldiers began burying the dead and searching for ways to honor the fallen. During and after the war the United States government worked to honor Union soldiers by establishing National Cemeteries across the nation. Fort Donelson National Cemetery was one of these places. If you want to learn more about how, why, and who established national cemeteries, who could be buried in national cemeteries, and how national cemeteries marked a larger change in American's perception of death and memorialization, then join us on May 4th at 3:00 pm at the entrance to Fort Donelson National Cemetery for this program.Programs are subject to staffing availability. In the interest of safety, in the event of inclement weather, programs are subject to cancelation. Information as to program status will be available online, or by contacting the Ranger office at 931-232-0576.

Fort Donelson National Cemetery, Tour Stop #11, 174 National Cemetery Drive, Dover, TN

"You Came Here to Die" – Brigadier General Smith and the Taking of Fort Donelson

On February 15, 1862, Union mid westerners charged up the steep, snow-covered ridge, all while under fierce enemy fire. The teacher of Civil War Generals, Charles F. Smith, spurred them on with oaths and encouragement until they took the trenches. Join Park staff as the......More

On February 15, 1862, Union mid westerners charged up the steep, snow-covered ridge, all while under fierce enemy fire. The teacher of Civil War Generals, Charles F. Smith, spurred them on with oaths and encouragement until they took the trenches. Join Park staff as they share how these men succeeded in their first major battle and discuss if this changed the outcome of the battle.Programs are subject to staffing availability. In the interest of safety, in the event of inclement weather, programs are subject to cancelation. Information as to program status will be available online, or by contacting the Ranger office at 931-232-0576.

Location: Smith’s Attack, Tour Stop #5, Fort Donelson National Battlefield

The Breakout

The BreakoutLocation: 296 Forge Road, Dover, TN 37058120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN 37058At about 5AM on February 15, 1862, Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant left to meet Flag Officer Andrew Foote. He ordered his officers to not bring on an engagement while he ......More

The BreakoutLocation: 296 Forge Road, Dover, TN 37058120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN 37058At about 5AM on February 15, 1862, Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant left to meet Flag Officer Andrew Foote. He ordered his officers to not bring on an engagement while he was gone. Unknown to them, however, Confederates planned to launch an attack that morning and take the Forge Road so they could evacuate the area. Around 6AM Confederate troops launched the surprise attack on Union troops under Brigadier General John A. McClernand. McClernand’s division of several thousand soldiers held off against almost 15,000 Confederates, but lack of ammunition and superior numbers forced the Union troops to slowly retreat along Wynn’s Ferry Road.Some of the earliest and hardest fighting took place just east of the historic Forge Road at a place now called Dudley Hill. Join park staff to learn about this key area of the battlefield, what happened there, why the Confederates attacked, and how fighting in this area shaped the course of the battle.Programs are subject to staffing availability. In the interest of safety, in the event of inclement weather, programs are subject to cancelation. Information as to program status will be available online, or by contacting the Ranger office at 931-232-0576.

The Dover Hotel

The Dover HotelThe Dover Hotel, constructed between 1853-1855, was a witness to the booming days of river boat traffic and was the meeting site for one of the most important surrenders during the American Civil War. Join Park staff as they tell the story of the Dover Ho......More

The Dover HotelThe Dover Hotel, constructed between 1853-1855, was a witness to the booming days of river boat traffic and was the meeting site for one of the most important surrenders during the American Civil War. Join Park staff as they tell the story of the Dover Hotel and the events that the building witnessed throughout its life as a hotel, hospital, and meeting place.Programs are subject to staffing availability. In the interest of safety, in the event of inclement weather, programs are subject to cancelation. Information as to program status will be available online, or by contacting the Ranger office at 931-232-0576.

Location: Dover Hotel 101 Petty Street, Dover, TN 37058 Tour Stop #10, Fort Donelson National Battlefield

“The Keys to the Gateway into her own Territory”

“The Keys to the Gateway into her own Territory”    The Campaign for Forts Henry and Donelson involved navigating almost 70 miles of rivers and roads, as well as coordinating thousands of troops, a river fleet, and almost a dozen commanders. Fighting took place in multi......More

“The Keys to the Gateway into her own Territory”    The Campaign for Forts Henry and Donelson involved navigating almost 70 miles of rivers and roads, as well as coordinating thousands of troops, a river fleet, and almost a dozen commanders. Fighting took place in multiple areas over a sizable portion of land and on the water. This complex campaign skyrocketed Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant to fame and marked the beginning of the end for the Confederacy in the western theater. This “Battlefield in a Box” program is an interactive visual program designed to allow visitors to participate in telling the story. Visitors attending the program can expect to better understand what took place and where it happened while having a memorable experience! The program is open to groups and people of all ages and is an excellent program for families. Programs are subject to staffing availability. In the interest of safety, in the event of inclement weather, programs are subject to cancelation. Information as to program status will be available online, or by contacting the Ranger office at 931-232-0576.

Education Pavilion near the Visitor Center120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN 37058

“...for us to be dedicated...to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion…”

After the battle ended at Fort Donelson soldiers began burying the dead and searching for ways to honor the fallen. During and after the war the United States government worked to honor Union soldiers by establishing National Cemeteries across the nation. Fort Donelson ......More

After the battle ended at Fort Donelson soldiers began burying the dead and searching for ways to honor the fallen. During and after the war the United States government worked to honor Union soldiers by establishing National Cemeteries across the nation. Fort Donelson National Cemetery was one of these places. If you want to learn more about how, why, and who established national cemeteries, who could be buried in national cemeteries, and how national cemeteries marked a larger change in American's perception of death and memorialization, then join us on May 4th at 3:00 pm at the entrance to Fort Donelson National Cemetery for this program.Programs are subject to staffing availability. In the interest of safety, in the event of inclement weather, programs are subject to cancelation. Information as to program status will be available online, or by contacting the Ranger office at 931-232-0576.

Fort Donelson National Cemetery, Tour Stop #11, 174 National Cemetery Drive, Dover, TN

"You Came Here to Die" – Brigadier General Smith and the Taking of Fort Donelson

On February 15, 1862, Union mid westerners charged up the steep, snow-covered ridge, all while under fierce enemy fire. The teacher of Civil War Generals, Charles F. Smith, spurred them on with oaths and encouragement until they took the trenches. Join Park staff as the......More

On February 15, 1862, Union mid westerners charged up the steep, snow-covered ridge, all while under fierce enemy fire. The teacher of Civil War Generals, Charles F. Smith, spurred them on with oaths and encouragement until they took the trenches. Join Park staff as they share how these men succeeded in their first major battle and discuss if this changed the outcome of the battle.Programs are subject to staffing availability. In the interest of safety, in the event of inclement weather, programs are subject to cancelation. Information as to program status will be available online, or by contacting the Ranger office at 931-232-0576.

Location: Smith’s Attack, Tour Stop #5, Fort Donelson National Battlefield

The Breakout

The BreakoutLocation: 296 Forge Road, Dover, TN 37058120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN 37058At about 5AM on February 15, 1862, Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant left to meet Flag Officer Andrew Foote. He ordered his officers to not bring on an engagement while he ......More

The BreakoutLocation: 296 Forge Road, Dover, TN 37058120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN 37058At about 5AM on February 15, 1862, Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant left to meet Flag Officer Andrew Foote. He ordered his officers to not bring on an engagement while he was gone. Unknown to them, however, Confederates planned to launch an attack that morning and take the Forge Road so they could evacuate the area. Around 6AM Confederate troops launched the surprise attack on Union troops under Brigadier General John A. McClernand. McClernand’s division of several thousand soldiers held off against almost 15,000 Confederates, but lack of ammunition and superior numbers forced the Union troops to slowly retreat along Wynn’s Ferry Road.Some of the earliest and hardest fighting took place just east of the historic Forge Road at a place now called Dudley Hill. Join park staff to learn about this key area of the battlefield, what happened there, why the Confederates attacked, and how fighting in this area shaped the course of the battle.Programs are subject to staffing availability. In the interest of safety, in the event of inclement weather, programs are subject to cancelation. Information as to program status will be available online, or by contacting the Ranger office at 931-232-0576.

“The Keys to the Gateway into her own Territory”

“The Keys to the Gateway into her own Territory”    The Campaign for Forts Henry and Donelson involved navigating almost 70 miles of rivers and roads, as well as coordinating thousands of troops, a river fleet, and almost a dozen commanders. Fighting took place in multi......More

“The Keys to the Gateway into her own Territory”    The Campaign for Forts Henry and Donelson involved navigating almost 70 miles of rivers and roads, as well as coordinating thousands of troops, a river fleet, and almost a dozen commanders. Fighting took place in multiple areas over a sizable portion of land and on the water. This complex campaign skyrocketed Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant to fame and marked the beginning of the end for the Confederacy in the western theater. This “Battlefield in a Box” program is an interactive visual program designed to allow visitors to participate in telling the story. Visitors attending the program can expect to better understand what took place and where it happened while having a memorable experience! The program is open to groups and people of all ages and is an excellent program for families. Programs are subject to staffing availability. In the interest of safety, in the event of inclement weather, programs are subject to cancelation. Information as to program status will be available online, or by contacting the Ranger office at 931-232-0576.

Education Pavilion near the Visitor Center120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN 37058

“...for us to be dedicated...to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion…”

After the battle ended at Fort Donelson soldiers began burying the dead and searching for ways to honor the fallen. During and after the war the United States government worked to honor Union soldiers by establishing National Cemeteries across the nation. Fort Donelson ......More

After the battle ended at Fort Donelson soldiers began burying the dead and searching for ways to honor the fallen. During and after the war the United States government worked to honor Union soldiers by establishing National Cemeteries across the nation. Fort Donelson National Cemetery was one of these places. If you want to learn more about how, why, and who established national cemeteries, who could be buried in national cemeteries, and how national cemeteries marked a larger change in American's perception of death and memorialization, then join us on May 4th at 3:00 pm at the entrance to Fort Donelson National Cemetery for this program.Programs are subject to staffing availability. In the interest of safety, in the event of inclement weather, programs are subject to cancelation. Information as to program status will be available online, or by contacting the Ranger office at 931-232-0576.

Fort Donelson National Cemetery, Tour Stop #11, 174 National Cemetery Drive, Dover, TN

"You Came Here to Die" – Brigadier General Smith and the Taking of Fort Donelson

On February 15, 1862, Union mid westerners charged up the steep, snow-covered ridge, all while under fierce enemy fire. The teacher of Civil War Generals, Charles F. Smith, spurred them on with oaths and encouragement until they took the trenches. Join Park staff as the......More

On February 15, 1862, Union mid westerners charged up the steep, snow-covered ridge, all while under fierce enemy fire. The teacher of Civil War Generals, Charles F. Smith, spurred them on with oaths and encouragement until they took the trenches. Join Park staff as they share how these men succeeded in their first major battle and discuss if this changed the outcome of the battle.Programs are subject to staffing availability. In the interest of safety, in the event of inclement weather, programs are subject to cancelation. Information as to program status will be available online, or by contacting the Ranger office at 931-232-0576.

Location: Smith’s Attack, Tour Stop #5, Fort Donelson National Battlefield

The Breakout

The BreakoutLocation: 296 Forge Road, Dover, TN 37058120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN 37058At about 5AM on February 15, 1862, Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant left to meet Flag Officer Andrew Foote. He ordered his officers to not bring on an engagement while he ......More

The BreakoutLocation: 296 Forge Road, Dover, TN 37058120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN 37058At about 5AM on February 15, 1862, Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant left to meet Flag Officer Andrew Foote. He ordered his officers to not bring on an engagement while he was gone. Unknown to them, however, Confederates planned to launch an attack that morning and take the Forge Road so they could evacuate the area. Around 6AM Confederate troops launched the surprise attack on Union troops under Brigadier General John A. McClernand. McClernand’s division of several thousand soldiers held off against almost 15,000 Confederates, but lack of ammunition and superior numbers forced the Union troops to slowly retreat along Wynn’s Ferry Road.Some of the earliest and hardest fighting took place just east of the historic Forge Road at a place now called Dudley Hill. Join park staff to learn about this key area of the battlefield, what happened there, why the Confederates attacked, and how fighting in this area shaped the course of the battle.Programs are subject to staffing availability. In the interest of safety, in the event of inclement weather, programs are subject to cancelation. Information as to program status will be available online, or by contacting the Ranger office at 931-232-0576.