New York, NY: T. Yoseloff, 1968. This was disastrous for the Confederates, who were unable to keep the Union out of Kentucky and Tennessee. Picked up on the Battlefield at Fort Donelson and taken home. The construction of the Fort Donelson started in the year 1861 by Daniel S. Donelson and was named after him. This map of Fort Donelson and its environs was done by Lt. Col. James Birdseye McPherson after the battle. At left is a Federal issue .58 Williams Cleaner used to scrape the black powder fouling out of the rifle barrel. … The heartland of the Confederacy was opened, and the Federals would press on until the "Union" became a fact once more. With the fall of Fort Henry 10 days earlier, the South was compelled to retreat along a wide front, and Grant, whose first and middle names were transformed to the nickname “Unconditional Surrender,” came to the favourable attention of Union President Abraham Lincoln. Floyd and Pillow turned over command of Fort Donelson to Buckner and slipped away to Nashville with about 2,000 men. The Battle of Fort Donelson was the end of a very successful campaign through Tennessee. Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland River, and Fort Henry, on the Tennessee River, guarded the positions where those rivers bisected Confederate lines. Even though Halleck advised restraint, on February 11 Grant began the advance overland from Fort Henry to Fort Donelson. A map drawn by Chas. Summary The capture of the fort by Union forces opened the Cumberland River as an avenue for the invasion of the South. Army. Battle of Fort Donelson (1862) 02/14/2021 | 2m 5s | Video has closed captioning. - battle of fort donelson stock illustrations. The battle was part of a series of battles meant to cut Confederate supply lines and stop river traffic in support of the Confederacy. Dover, TN 37058 Phone: (931) 232-5706 The engagement at Fort Donelson (February 13-16, 1862) pitted the faulty command by Southern officers against Union numerical superiority, Grant's flexibility, and a … The Battle of Fort Donelson, Tennessee (Taken From "The Confederate Military History") General Grant invested Fort Donelson on the 12th of February, 1862, with 15,000 troops, reinforced that evening by six regiments of infantry and Flag-Officer Foote's fleet of four ironclad and two wooden gunboats--the St. Louis, Carondelet, Louisville, Pittsburg, Tyler and Conestoga. PO Box 434 Omissions? See more ideas about american civil war, civil war, civil war history. Battle of Fort Donalson Stewart County, TN February 12th through the 16th 1862 Largest battle in the war so far. The way of escape was closed once more. Subsequent victories at Shiloh, Vicksburg, and Chattanooga would lead to his appointment as lieutenant general and commander of all Union Armies. During this one and one-half hour duel the Confederates wounded Foote and inflicted such extensive damage upon the gunboats that they were forced to retreat. - Fort Donelson, Battle of, Tenn., 1862 -- Songs and music - United States. The Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, and railroads in the area, became vital Federal supply lines. It was a battle that started to cement, even though a shock to the Confederacy and a boon to the north. Early in the afternoon a furious roar broke the stillness, and the earth began to shake. Lambecker and James Birdeye McPherson. It took place in the year 1862 on February 11th to 16th in the Western Theater of the Civil War. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland River, and Fort Library of Congress, Robert Knox Sneden, 1862-1865. Grant immediately launched a vigorous counterattack, retaking most of the lost ground and gaining new positions as well. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Others followed cavalryman Lt. The center bullet is a Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Jul 26, 2018 - Explore Bobby Lawrence's board "Battle of Fort Donelson" on Pinterest. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant advanced 12 miles cross-country to invest Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River. Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest across swollen Lick Creek. Battle of Fort Donelson Location: 120 National Park Rd. The morning of February 14 dawned cold and quiet. The Battle of Fort Donelson was fought from February 11 to February 16, 1862, in the Western Theater of the American Civil War.The capture of the fort by Union forces opened the Cumberland River, an important avenue for the invasion of the South. "No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted.". Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio in the War of Rebellion, 1861-1866. After Fort Henry fell to Union forces on February 6, 1862, Fort Donelson stood as a lone sentry protecting important Southern agricultural lands and the city of Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and a munitions centre. Although 3,000 Confederates managed to escape, the defeat demoralized Southern society; citizens in Nashville rioted, Southern hopes of help from England diminished, Johnston’s reputation was destroyed, and the Union now owned a deep wedge into the Southern lines. Grant was receiving reinforcements daily and had extended his right flank almost to Lick Creek to complete the encirclement of the Southerners. These volumes were an attempt to collect all the official reports, communications, and more from the War. After the fall of Fort Donelson, the South was forced to give up southern Kentucky and much of Middle and West Tennessee. Both Confederate and Union soldiers fought furiously on the morning of February 15; the Union Army grudgingly retreated by the afternoon. Wounded at Fort Donelson, Tennessee, on February 9, 1862. The following day the Confederates had a fleeting chance to turn the battle in their favour, but poor coordination among their generals, as well as vague instructions from Johnston, conspired to cheat them of the opportunity. From the State of Tennessee Soldier's Application for Pension, No. Among the best first-hand accounts from the American Civil War is the Official Records of the War of Rebellion. Battle … The Official Records provide tremendous documentation and are essential reading. Union forces occupied the fort (and much of Tennessee) for the remainder of the war. U.S. War Department, Corps of Engineers. When the garrison’s commander, Gen. Simon B. Buckner, requested his Union counterpart’s terms for surrender, Grant replied, “No terms except unconditional surrender can be accepted. Also in…, …victory of the war, when Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland River in Tennessee, surrendered with about 15,000 troops. Fort Donelson National Battlefield. Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox would send Grant to the White House. Grant’s boast that he would capture Donelson by the 8th of February quickly ran into challenges. Coming on the heels of taking Fort Henry, the Union was then able to capture Fort Donelson. Buckner surrendered. The Union Army of the Tennessee, commanded by Major General Ulysses S. Grant, captured the fort in February 1862 from the Confederate Army in the Battle of Fort Donelson.This was a great strategic victory for the Union forces, and part of Grant's campaign to gain control of the Mississippi River. After capturing Fort Henry on the Tennessee River on February 6, 1862, Brig. The battle began on February 13 as Grant’s soldiers prodded Confederate lines; this early action suggested the ensuing battle would be costly. The cement would be the beginning of the Union taking Tennessee, of Ulysses S. Grant cementing his place as a powerful general not only capable in the western theatre, but by the end of the war, of saving the Union from coast to coast. Andrew H. Foote's Union gunboat fleet, consisting of the ironclads St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Louisville, and Carondolet, and the timberclads Conestoga and Tyler, had arrived from Fort Henry via the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers and were exchanging "iron valentines" with the eleven big guns in the Southern water batteries. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Just as it seemed the way was clear, the Southern troops were ordered to return to their entrenchments-a result of confusion and indecision among the Confederate commanders. I propose to move immediately upon your works.” This was probably the war’s first demand for unconditional surrender; although Buckner was appalled, he saw no option but to quit. The hills and hollows echoed with cheers from the southern soldiers. This Site All NPS This was the first major Union victory of the war, which opened up much of Kentucky and Tennessee to Union control. Akron, OH: The Werner Company, 1893. Enjoy some of the documents written about this battlefield at this site: Nashville was developed into a huge supply depot for the Union army in the west. Original lead bullets excavated from the Bentonville Battlefield in North Carolina. He turned over about 15,000 men, 20,000 rifles, 48 pieces of artillery, 17 heavy guns, about 3,000 horses, and large commissary stores. Corrected Video! If the Confederates did not move quickly, they would be starved into submission. Fort Donelson, a Confederate fort, rose about 100 feet on dry ground above the Cumberland River, which allowed for plunging fire against attacking gunboats. Grant's operations against Fort Donelson lasted from February 11 to February 16, 1862. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant to capture Fort Donelson (February 1862). 37058, Park Histories | Park History Program (nps.gov), Battles & Leaders of the Civil War | eHISTORY (osu.edu), Battles and leaders of the civil war : Century Company : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. civil war print showing union and confederate troops fighting at the battle of fort donelson. On the Union and Confederate Army side of the conflict, the Official Records from Fort Donelson were collected in Series I, Volume 7. Battle of Fort Donelson, American Civil War battle (February 1862) that collapsed Southern defenses in the Mid-South and forced the evacuations of Columbus, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee, as well as a general Confederate retreat in Kentucky. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Fort-Donelson, Ohio Historical Society - Battle of Fort Donelson, Civil War Trust - Battle of Fort Donelson. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The Battle of Fort Henry was fought on February 6, 1862, in Donelson, Stewart County, Tennessee, during the American Civil War.It was the first important victory for the Union and Brig. With the capture of Fort Donelson and its sister fort, Henry, the North had not only won its first great victory, it had also gained a new hero--"Unconditional Surrender" Grant, who was promoted to major general. Fort Donelson protected the crucial Cumberland River and, indirectly, the manufacturing city of Nashville and Confederate control of Middle Tennessee. The Battle of Fort Donelson was fought from February 11 to February 16, 1862, in the Western Theater of the American Civil War.The capture of the fort by Union forces opened the Cumberland River as an avenue for the invasion of the South.The success elevated Brig. Corrections? Gen. Ulysses S. Grant was determined to move quickly onto the much larger Fort Donelson, located on the nearby Cumberland River. The Battle of Fort Donelson began on February 13 and, after sharp fighting, concluded on February 16 with the unconditional surrender of the remaining Confederate garrison of approximately 15,000. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant in the Western Theater.. On February 4 and 5, Grant landed two divisions just north of Fort Henry on the Tennessee River. Did not rejoin outfit. Among the most precious documents from the American Civil War is the "Official Records of the War of Rebellion." Search. Accordingly, they massed their troops against the Union right, hoping to clear a route to Nashville and safety. Read the postwar accounts of the many of the Civil War battles in Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, New York: The Century Company, 1887-1888. National Park Service Logo National Park Service. I propose to move immediately upon your…. Battles & Leaders of the Civil War | eHISTORY (osu.edu) It was much larger, with a stronger garrison, about 100 feet above the river, and on a ridge which narrowed routes for infantry attack. One version is available here: #3 - The War of the Rebellion: a compilation of the official ... ser.1:v.7. Soon after the surrender, civilians and relief agencies rushed to assist the Union Army. Grant's answer was short and direct: "No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted." The Battle of Fort Donelson was an early battle in the American Civil War (1861-1865). That morning, February 16, Buckner asked Grant for terms. Pushing south into Tennessee with assistance from Flag Officer Andrew Foote's gunboats, Union troops under Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant captured Fort Henry on February 6, 1862. Kendall Gott talked about the Civil War Battle of Fort Donelson. The U.S. Sanitary Commission was one of the first to provide food, medical supplies, and hospital ships to transport the wounded. When the Union gunboats arrived the next day, they met determined fire from shore batteries that severely damaged the flotilla and left Foote’s flagship a shambles. Army of the Tennessee-Wikipedia. 174 National Cemetery Drive The battle was bloody: the South lost 1,500 to 3,500 men; Union losses were 500 killed and 2,100 wounded. Updates? - Full View | HathiTrust Digital Library | HathiTrust Digital Library. In this week in military history, we explore the Battle of Fort Donelson which took place in the Western Theater of the American Civil War in 1862. The stories from Forts Henry and Donelson can be found in Volume 1: After the fall of Fort Henry, Brig. They are typical of the ammunition used during the Battle of Fort Donelson. Dover, TN Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Battle of Fort Donelson, lithograph by Kurz & Allison, of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson in western Tennessee; this action was followed by Union Gen. John Pope’s capture of New Madrid, Missouri, a bloody but inconclusive battle at Shiloh (Pittsburg Landing), Tennessee, on April 6–7, and the occupation of Corinth, Mississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee, in June. the capture of the fort by union forces opened the cumberland river as an avenue for the invasion of the south. Several online versions are available, and may be helpful. Park Histories | Park History Program (nps.gov) Battle of Fort Donelson, American Civil War battle (February 1862) that collapsed Southern defenses in the Mid-South and forced the evacuations of Columbus, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee, as well as a general Confederate retreat in Kentucky. There were three miles (5 km) of trenches in a semicircle around the fort and the small town of Dover. Prelude. Battle of Fort Donelson is a part of American Civil War. The battle at Fort Donelson was haltingly fought from February 11 to February 16, 1862. Grant replied, “No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. The battle of Fort Donelson took place shortly after the battle of Fort Henry, Tennessee, also a Union victory under then-brigadier general Grant.. After their loss of Fort Henry, the Confederates faced some disagreeable choices. On February 16 Southern General Simon B. Buckner asked for an armistice and surrender terms from his old friend Grant. Fort Donelson Summary: The Battle of Fort Donelson involved the capture of Ft. Donelson, Tennessee and provided access to the Cumberland River as a means of invading the Confederacy.It was fought from February 11 to February 16, 1862 and established General … Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston dispatched four generals and rushed 18,000 troops to meet the Union forces commanded by General Ulysses S. Grant, who were marching from Fort Henry, and a Union gunboat flotilla steaming downriver under the command of Commodore Andrew Foote. The Battle of Fort Donelson. Battles and leaders of the civil war : Century Company : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. Many civilians came in search of loved ones or to offer support. The Battle of Fort Donelson. The Battle of Fort Donelson (Feb. 13-16, 1862) Begun in the East, the war was spreading to the West, even beyond the Mississippi where the fate of the important border state of Missouri and the chief city of the West in those days, St. Louis, hung in the balance between slaveholding and non … The Confederate generals-John Floyd, Gideon Pillow, Simon Buckner and Bushrod Johnson-also rejoiced; but sober reflection revealed another danger. Fort Donelson was a much stronger work than Fort Henry. The success elevated Brig. This map of Fort Donelson and its environs was done by Lt. Col. J.B. McPherson after the battle. The forces of General Grant were now between Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston's two main forces. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Fort Henry, on the Tennessee River had falled to Union forces on February 6, 1862, but not before most of the Rebel garrison had retreated to the much stronger Fort Donelson, 12 miles away on the Cumberland River. Early in the war, Union commanders realized control of the major rivers would be the key to success in the Western Theater. 4595: James Calvin Vinson, of Tobaccoport, Stewart County, Tennessee, applied for a Confederate pension from the State of Tennessee in 1902. Although not officially recognized as nurses, women such as Mary Bickerdyke and Mary Newcomb, cared for and comforted sick and wounded soldiers. On February 14, USN timberclad and ironclad gunboats attempted to reduce the fort with naval gunfire, but sustained significant damage from Donelson's water batteries. Replied, “ No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. `` the lost ground gaining... 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