Anniversary programming begins on Saturday, February 8 and continues through Sunday, February 16th, during which a variety of events, including infantry and artillery firing demonstrations, ranger hikes and programs, the always popular ranger-led auto caravan tour of the “breakout,” and much more will be offered.
All of events are free and open to the public. Please note that some programs, such as the Fort Henry and Confederate Breakout auto caravan tours, require reservations because of limited capacity.
Note: Events are programmed more than two weeks out, so it is recommended to monitor the weather check for possible updates or weather-related changes or necessary cancelations. Updates will be posted to the park’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/
“Protecting the Tennessee,” The battle for Forts Henry and Heiman
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Fort Henry Trail Head, located on Boswell Landing Road, approximately .4 miles north of its intersection with Fort Henry Road in the Land Between the Lakes NRA. Watch for a National Park Service patrol vehicle with blue lights on and for a Ranger to direct you for parking.
Join Fort Donelson Rangers for a short hike to the bank of the Tennessee River, overlooking the flooded location of Confederate Fort Henry. At that location Rangers will direct participants to look across the river to the “sister fort” of Heiman as they share about the February 6, 1862, battle that opened the Tennessee deep into the heart of the Confederacy. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear as the trail is uneven in places.
Note: Pre-registration is required due to limited on-site parking. Those interested may sign-up by contacting the Fort Donelson NB Ranger office at 931-232-5706.
Exchanging “Iron Valentines” – The Naval Battles of Forts Henry and Donelson
Time: Noon and 2:00 PM
Led by Fort Donelson Park Historian (retired) Jim Jobe
Location: Lower River Battery, Tour Stop #4, Fort Donelson NB
Those joining us will view the Cumberland River from the same fortified and heavily armed position defended by Confederate artillerymen against armored Union gunboats – on this date and at the same time as 163 years before.
Led by noted Fort Donelson NB Park Historian (ret) and author Jim Jobe, the program will share of the significance of the battles for Forts Henry and Donelson upon the war and of these two engagements serving as the introduction of modern inland naval warfare.
“You Came Here to Die”– Brigadier General Smith and the Taking of Fort Donelson
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Smith’s Attack, Tour Stop #5, Fort Donelson NB
Led by Fort Donelson Rangers, learn about the challenges faced by inexperienced Midwesterners tasked with orders to charge up a steep, snow-covered ridge while navigating obstacles while under fierce enemy fire – all to take the Confederate strong-hold of Fort Donelson. Join Rangers as they share of the valiant charge, trials and tribulations, and how the attack led to the surrender of the entrenched Confederate army?
“Rumble on the River”—Infantry and Artillery Drill and Firing Demonstrations
Time: 11:00 AM, Noon, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM
Location: Park Visitor Center lawn, 120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover
Dress warmly and be prepared to cover your ears when experiencing the sights and sounds of Civil War as living history professionals demonstrate the weaponry and tactics of 1862.
“Following the Confederate Breakout” – Auto Caravan Tour
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Caravan participants are to meet at the Stewart County Library parking lot, 102 Natcor Drive, Dover, 15 minutes prior to start time.
Join noted historians, archeologists, Rangers . . . and Brigadier General Ulysses Grant, in traveling across the battlefield by following of the surprise Confederate “Breakout” attempt of February 15, 1862. Participants will utilize their own vehicles in caravaning from point to point, stopping at key battle locations while the group discusses the landscape, specific events and outcomes.
When the caravan is coming to an end, share your thoughts of whether the surprise attack of the 15th was a lost opportunity for Confederate escape, or one of the great “blunders” of military leadership?
Note: A highly sought-after program, PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED by contacting the Fort Donelson NB Ranger office at 931-232-5706. It is requested that all participants arrive 15 minutes prior to the 1:00 pm departure time.
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Cumberland Room, Stewart County Visitor Center, 117 Visitors Center Drive, Dover, TN
National Park Service archeologists are eager to share about recent archeological survey activities that have occurred across the Fort Donelson battlefield over the past few years. Depicting examples of the techniques, technology, and research used to learn more about the battlefield and of the engagement of 1862. The significant information gathered has reinforced our understanding the battle, and in some cases shed new light as to actual location of battlelines and occurrences.
“Recollections of the Battle – The Approach of Victory,” an Interview with Brigadier General Grant
Time: 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM
Location: Dover Hotel/ ”Surrender House,” Tour Stop #10,
101 Petty Street, Dover, TN
Be a fly on the wall at the historic Surrender House and observe Brigadier General Ulysses Grant as he is interviewed by a period newspaper reporter. During the interview “Unconditional Surrender Grant” will share of his recollections of the battles for Forts Henry and Donelson and his thoughts of what led to his successful capture of both Confederate strong-holds.
“A good vocabulary of cuss words,” The 20th Mississippi Vol. Infantry, Brig. Gen. Floyd, and the Surrender at Fort Donelson
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Dover Hotel/” Surrender House,” Tour Stop #10,
101 Petty Street, Dover, TN
Join our Rangers to learn of the very unfortunate circumstances of the 20th Mississippi Vol. Infantry, as they made possible the opportunity for escape of their commanding officer and fellow regiments – only to be unexpectedly left behind.
“…For us to be dedicated…to that cause for which they gave the last full measure”
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Fort Donelson National Cemetery, Tour Stop #11,
174 National Cemetery Dr., Dover, TN
Join our Rangers to explore the hallowed and commemorative landscape of the Fort Donelson National Cemetery, learning of its 1867 establishment, from where initial burials originated, and of the generations of service men and women that have been laid to rest at this most honored place of rest.
In addition to the history, examples of symbolism inscribed on many of the grave markers, and an explanation of what criteria makes a national cemetery revered as a national place of honor to those that served in the armed forces of the United States.