Dover, Tenn.–New programs have been added to the wide variety of programs and activities planned for visitors of all ages during Fort Donelson National Battlefield’s 161st anniversary of the Forts Henry, Heiman and Donelson campaigns. The Battle of Fort Donelson was held in February of 1862.
Anniversary programming began over the weekend and continues through Thursday, February 16, with a variety of events varying from living history encampments, infantry and artillery firing demonstrations, ranger-led hikes, and new for this year, a one-day, co-hosted symposium specific to both the 1862 Battle of Fort Donelson and of the 1863 Second Battle of Dover.
A special Junior Ranger activity and badge will also be available on the weekend of February 11 and 12.
Below is a summary of 2023 anniversary programming. All Fort Donelson programs are free and open to the public.
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Saturday, February 11
Symposium
9:00 am – 6:30 pm
Location: Stewart County Visitor Center, 117 Visitor Center Drive, Dover, TN
New for this year, Fort Donelson National Battlefield is co-hosting a Symposium consisting of speakers about both the 1862 Battle of Fort Donelson and the 1863 Second Battle of Dover.
9:00 am “The 1863 Battle of Dover” –John Walsh
11:00 am “Lessons in Leadership: Forrest at Donelson and Dover” –Brian Wills
1:00 pm “Arms and Equipage of Forrest and Wheeler’s Cavalry” – Myers Brown
2:00 pm “Logistic Operations of the Fort Donelson Campaign” – Ken Gott
6:30 pm “Career of Col. Cyrus Sugg-Commander, 50th TN Infantry” – Kevin Sugg
Civil War Encampment
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Smith’s Attack Loop Road, Fort Donelson NB
Step back in time, interact with the Civil War defenders of 1862 Fort Donelson, and observe and learn about early-war camp life at the site.
“Rumble on the River”—Infantry and Artillery Drill and Firing Demonstrations
10:00 am, 11:00 pm, Noon, 1:00 pm, 2:00pm and 3:00 pm
Location: Fort Donelson NB Visitor Center
120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN
Dress warmly and be prepared to cover your ears when experiencing the sight and sounds of Civil War artillery drill and firing of both period rifle and cannon.
“Cursing, both loud and deep…” Col. Sugg’s 50th TN (CSA) at Fort Donelson.
1:30 pm
Location: Lower River Battery, Tour Stop #4, Fort Donelson NB
Join guest speaker, and direct descendent, Kevin Sugg as he recounts the story of Col. Cyrus Sugg and his 50th TN Volunteer Infantry. Col. Sugg’s unit was based at the fort during the battle of Fort Donelson, was part of the surrender, and later fought in several more engagements. Note to parents: there will be no cursing during this program.
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Sunday, February 12
Civil War Encampment
9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Location: Smith’s Attack Loop Road, Fort Donelson NB
Step back in time, interact with the Civil War defenders of 1862 Fort Donelson, and observe and learn about early-war camp life at the site.
“Rumble on the River”—Infantry and Artillery Drill and Demonstrations
10:00 am, 11:00 pm, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 2:00pm and 3:00 pm
Location: Fort Donelson NB Visitor Center
120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover
Dress warmly and be prepared to cover your ears when experiencing the sight and sounds of Civil War artillery drill and firing of both period rifle and cannon.
Book Signing – Historian Kendall Gott
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: Fort Donelson NB Visitor Center
120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover
Come to the park visitor center and meet visit with historian Kendall Gott. Those interested in having Gott autograph books may bring their own. Two of his noted books, “Where the South Lost the Civil War – An Analysis of the Fort Henry-Fort Donelson Campaign, and “Steamboat Seasons and Backwater Battles,” will be available for sale on-site.
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Monday, February 13
A Formidable Challenge – Union Logistics to Supply the Campaign
11:00 am and 1:00 pm
Location: Fort Donelson NB Visitor Center
120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN
Join noted historian and author Ken Gott for two programs on the complicated logistics of supplying Brigadier General Grant’s troops throughout the battles of Fort Heiman,
Do Not Provoke” – The Devastating Occurrences of an Attack and its Aftermath
2:00 pm
Location: Grave’s Battery, Tour Stop #7, Fort Donelson NB
Despite Union Brigadier General Grant’s orders to subordinates not to “provoke a general engagement,” attacks on solidly entrenched Confederate positions occurred – resulting in abysmal failure and the significant taking of casualties. Join as rangers share of one such attack and of the ghastly accounts of those witness to both the attack and its aftermath.
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Tuesday, February 14
Exploring Fort Donelson – Visiting Newly Preserved Lands of the Battlefield and Discussing Their Significance – Auto Caravan Tour
(Reservations Required)
Start Time: 10:00 am
Starting Location: Stewart County Library parking lot, 102 Natcor Drive, Dover, TN
Join national park staff as they lead a caravan tour to newer additions to the national park, consisting of areas of where significant parts of the battle occurred, and share of the significance of these lands for preservation and interpretation for future generations.
Participation is limited and requires reservations by calling 931-232-5706×0.
Exchanging “Iron Valentines” – The Naval Battles of Forts Henry and Donelson
12:00 pm and 1:00 pm–Park Staff
2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm—Jimmy Jobe
Location: Lower River Battery, Tour Stop #4, Fort Donelson NB
Join long-time Park Historian (retired) and author Jim Jobe and park staff for their sharing from the same strategic location as the Confederate artillery 161 years before. Mr. Jobe and staff will share of the revolutionary and significant ironclad vs land battery engagements of Forts Henry and Donelson.
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Wednesday, February 15
“You Came Here to Die”– Brigadier General Smith and the Taking of Fort Donelson
Start Time: 11:00 am
Location: Smith’s Attack, Tour Stop #5, Fort Donelson NB
Join historian and author Greg Biggs as he shares about the challenges faced by Union midwestern regiments tasked with the charging up the steep, snow-covered ridge, while under fierce enemy fire. How did they succeed and begin the eventual taking and surrender of the entrenched army?
“Following the Breakout” – Auto Caravan Tour of the Confederate “Breakout”
(Reservations Required)
Start Time: 1:00 pm
Starting Location: Stewart County Library parking lot, 102 Natcor Drive, Dover, TN
Join military historian Jim Vaughn, historian and author Kendall Gott, Brigadier General Ulysses Grant, and park staff in learning of the surprise Confederate “Breakout” attempt of February 15, 1862. Participants will utilize their own vehicles in caravanning from point to point to key locations across.
Was this a lost opportunity for Confederate escape or one of the great “blunders” of military leadership?
Participation is limited and requires reservations by calling 931-232-5706 ext. 0.
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Thursday, February 16
“Recollections of the Battle – The Approach of Victory,” an Interview with General Grant
11:00 am and 1:00 pm
Location: Dover Hotel/”Surrender House,” Tour Stop #10, 101 Petty Street, Dover, TN
Join us at the historic Surrender House as we observe Brigadier General Ulysses Grant as he is “interviewed” by a period newspaper reporter, portrayed by historian John Walsh. The general will share of his recollections of the battle and of his actions leading to victory at both Forts Henry and Donelson.
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Note: All events and event times are subject to change or cancellation without advance notice. For current event information and updates, please check out the park’s Facebook and web pages, or by calling 931-232-5706×0.