Fort Donelson

In February of 1862, two Union Army and Navy officers devised a plan to capture three Confederate forts and open up the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers to Union control. General Ulysses S. Grant and flag officer Andrew Hull Foote, were successful in their campaign and their victories caused major disruptions to Confederate supply lines and communication. In honor of the Union's successes, the Fort Donelson National Battlefield was established in 1933. The battlefield preserves the sites of Fort Donelson and Fort Heiman. Visitors to the battlefield can see artifacts from the battle as well as learn about the tactics and strategy that led to the Union's victory.