"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 stunne…
"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.
Photos
Fort Donelson National Cemetery — NPS PhotoTennessee River: A View from Fort Heiman — NPS/dwatkinsVolunteer Cannon Demonstration — NPSFort Donelson National Cemetery — NPSArtillery at Fort Donelson NB — NPSBald eagles in nest — NPSPicnic Area — NPSSpring flowers on the trails — NPSWaysides interpret the history of the Free State — NPSNative Plants — NPSArtillery Batteries at Fort Donelson NB — NPSField Artillery Demonstration — NPS
How to Get There
The main entrance is at 120 Fort Donelson Park Road, in Dover Tennessee. It is advised to start a visitor experience here. Brochures and information are available at this location. Physical address for the park's Fort Heiman unit, in Calloway County, Kentucky: 654 Fort Heiman Road, New Concord, Kentucky. This site is not staffed daily, but exhibits and information are available for visitors.
Plan Your Visit to Fort Donelson National Battlefield
Heading to Fort Donelson National Battlefield? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Fort Donelson National Battlefield?
No central reservation system listed for Fort Donelson National Battlefield. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/2689) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Fort Donelson National Battlefield?
The main entrance is at 120 Fort Donelson Park Road, in Dover Tennessee. It is advised to start a visitor experience here. Brochures and information are available at this location. Physical address for the park's Fort Heiman unit, in Calloway County, Kentucky: 654 Fort Heiman Road, New Concord, Kentucky. This site is not staffed daily, but exhibits and information are available for visitors.
How do I contact Fort Donelson National Battlefield?
You can reach the park at phone: (931) 232-5706 or email: [email protected].
