Fort Donelson National Battlefield

The Dover Hotel, the headquarters of General Simon B. Buckner (CSA), and location of the Confederate surrender.
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.
Map showing location of park.
a computer generated image of interior of a bright visitor center with large floor-to-ceiling windows letting in natural light.
Fort Donelson National Battlefield Moves Forward with Visitor Center
The National Park Service will resume rehabilitation of the Fort Donelson Visitor Center this summer, advancing efforts to improve accessibility, safety and visitor services at Fort Donelson National Battlefield while preserving one of the park’s most historically significant buildings.
The View from the Upper River Battery
Photo by NPS
Hallowed ground.
Photo by NPS Photo
cannon overlooking river
Photo by NPS
Historic hotel
Photo by NPS
cemetery gate
Photo by NPS
Confederate earthworks.
Photo by NPS
cannon and costumed volunteers
Photo by NPS
bald eagles nesting
Photo by NPS
picnic tables
Photo by NPS
Cannon drills during the 154th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Donelson
Photo by NPS
wayside exhibit in the national cemetery
Photo by NPS
early spring native flowers
Photo by NPS
native plants found in the park
Photo by NPS
Cannons on Lower River Battery
Photo by NPS
water and trees view of Tennessee River
Photo by NPS/dwatkins