Rediscovering the Fort Donelson Landscape of 1862

As generations pass, communities expand, and infrastructure changes, often the tell-tale signs of periods past become hidden or misinterpreted. Join in this program to see how historic maps and accounts, combined with archeological survey and technology to better identi......More

As generations pass, communities expand, and infrastructure changes, often the tell-tale signs of periods past become hidden or misinterpreted. Join in this program to see how historic maps and accounts, combined with archeological survey and technology to better identify the “what was where” 1862 landscape of the Fort Donelson battlefield. Event location on the battlefield park will be announced via social media prior to Feb 6. Location information will also be obtained by calling 931-232-5706 or stopping at the visitor center during regular operating hours.

Fort Donelson National Cemetery Carriage House, 147, National Cemetery Drive, Dover

“Protecting the Tennessee”

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 footwea......More

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.

Land Between The Lakes NRA, Fort Henry Trail Head off of Boswell Landing Road. (GPS Coordinates: 36.50870°N, 88.02179°W)

From Arrogance to Tragedy: The Failed Attempt for Maney's Battery

This 0.6-mile round-trip ranger-led hike examines one of the more ill-planned and deadly Union actions of the battle. Brig. Gen. John A. McClernand stated he had been ordered to “avoid everything calculated to bring on a general engagement ” but then ordered an attack. ......More

This 0.6-mile round-trip ranger-led hike examines one of the more ill-planned and deadly Union actions of the battle. Brig. Gen. John A. McClernand stated he had been ordered to “avoid everything calculated to bring on a general engagement ” but then ordered an attack. The attack failed and left McClernand with several battered regiments. The route includes steep and uneven terrain appropriate footwear is recommended.

Battery Trail parking circle, 229 Sandy Road, Dover, Tennessee

Rumble on the River: Artillery and Infantry Drill and Firing Demonstrations

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.

120 Fort Donelson Park Road

Exchanging "Iron Valentines": The Naval Battles of Forts Henry and Donelson

Retired park 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.

Lower River Battery, Tour Stop 4

Civil War Medicine and the Cost of War

Join us for a Civil War medical program at the Dover Hotel. This program will discuss the common misconceptions about Civil War medicine, the important role of women nurses, and the stories of those who were wounded at Fort Donelson. Learn about specific tools used in s......More

Join us for a Civil War medical program at the Dover Hotel. This program will discuss the common misconceptions about Civil War medicine, the important role of women nurses, and the stories of those who were wounded at Fort Donelson. Learn about specific tools used in surgeries from our replica Civil War era surgery kit and discover the people behind Civil War medicine.

Dover Hotel, Tour Stop 10, 110 Petty Street, Dover, Tennessee.

Recollections of the Battle: An Interview with Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant

Step inside the historic Surrender House and observe Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant tell a war correspondent about the campaign and the events that led to Union victory, national fame and eight years in the White House.

Dover Hotel (Surrender House), Tour Stop 10, 101 Petty St., Dover

"You Came Here to Die": Brig. Gen. Charles F. Smith and the Taking of Fort Donelson

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.

Smith's Attack, Tour Stop 5

Following the Breakout: Auto Caravan Tour of the Confederate "Breakout" (reservations required)

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......More

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.

Stewart County Public Library parking lot, 102 Natcor Drive, Dover

Civil War Medicine and the Cost of War

Join us for a Civil War medical program at the Dover Hotel. This program will discuss the common misconceptions about Civil War medicine, the important role of women nurses, and the stories of those who were wounded at Fort Donelson. Learn about specific tools used in s......More

Join us for a Civil War medical program at the Dover Hotel. This program will discuss the common misconceptions about Civil War medicine, the important role of women nurses, and the stories of those who were wounded at Fort Donelson. Learn about specific tools used in surgeries from our replica Civil War era surgery kit and discover the people behind Civil War medicine.

Dover Hotel, Tour Stop 10, 110 Petty Street, Dover, Tennessee.

An Unprecedented Victory: The Surrender at Fort Donelson

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 witness......More

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.

Dover Hotel (“Surrender House”), Tour Stop 10, 101 Petty St., Dover

Pillow and Buckner: Command Decisions and Consequences

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.

418 Cedar St., Dover

"...for us to be dedicated...": Fort Donelson National Cemetery

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.

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