"Fort Donelson will hereafter be marked in Capitals on the maps of our United Country..."
Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant was becoming quite famous as he wrote these words following the surrender of Confederate Fort Donelson on Sunday, February 16, 1862. The Union victory at Fort Donelson elated the North, and stunned the South. Within days of the surrender, Clarksville and Nashville would fall into Union hands. Grant and his troops had created a pathway to victory for the Union.
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Defending the Cumberland River...
The park features an eleven stop driving tour, where the visitor can imagine this game-changing battle that was fought on land and water.
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Fort Donelson National Cemetery
Fort Donelson National Cemetery is the final resting place of many Civil War Union soldiers and many from wars since.
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Fort Donelson: A Magnificent Classroom
Fort Donelson NB is an ideal place to bring students to learn more about this battle, as well as its beautiful and diverse natural resources.
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The Dover Hotel
The Dover Hotel served as the headquarters for Confederate Generals Floyd and Buckner. The building and the community have a remarkable story to tell.
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America Commemorates a Significant Anniversary...
From 2011 through 2015, the National Parks, together with multiple partners, commemorate the Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War.
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Junior Rangers: Tomorrow's Stewards
Fort Donelson National Battlefield offers a Junior Ranger program; the booklet is available on the park's website.
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Hispanics and the American Civil War.
This fascinating new booklet is available to read online.
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Slavery and the Civil War
A new 2011 booklet explores this most important topic, and is useful for all.
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Fort Donelson Trading Cards!
A special series of trading cards are available for visitors of all ages.
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Did You Know?
BG Charles F. Smith, a division commander under BG US Grant during the Battle of Fort Donelson, was Commandant of Cadets during Grants and Buckner’s time at West Point.