Nearly 14,000 Confederate soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing, compared to less than 3,000 for the Union. Articles with the HISTORY.com Editors byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Matt Mullen and Christian Zapata. Fort Donelson Battle Facts and Summary - American Battlefield Trust Within days of the surrender, Clarksville and Nashville would fall into Union hands. A map drawn by Chas. Later that month, Ulysses S. Grant enlisted as an aide in the Illinois militia, a Union force. Andersons position there was daily growing more difficult. Union General Lew Wallace, who played a controversial role in the Battle of Shiloh, later went on to write the popular 1880 novel Ben Hur.. Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland River, and Fort Henry, on the Tennessee River, guarded the positions where those rivers bisected Confederate lines. Soon after the election of Abraham Lincoln in November 1860, the state of South Carolina called a convention that passed an ordinance of secession (December 20, 1860), and Gov. The regiment included 1,000 Nebraskans, about 10% of Nebraska's military-age men at the time. The Battle of Fort Donelson was an early battle in the American Civil War (1861-1865). Q: Where was the Battle Taken Place? Stewart County, TN | Feb 13 - 16, 1862 The decisive Union victory at Fort Donelson thrust Brig. The subsequent duel between Footes Pook Turtles and the heavier guns at the fort led to a Union defeat. American Civil War: Major General Gideon J. Pillow, Profile of American Civil War Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, American Civil War: Major General Joseph Hooker, American Civil War: Major General Oliver O. Howard, American Civil War: Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton, American Civil War: Major General Henry Heth, American Civil War: Major General Ambrose Burnside, American Civil War: General P.G.T. 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. Park Histories | Park History Program (nps.gov) The cost of the victory was high. Visit website. That morning, February 16, Buckner asked Grant for terms. The Confederate batteries had made such progress that he doubted whether it was still possible to relieve the fort unless possession of the whole harbour were secured, and for that purpose he estimated that 20,000 men would be required. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Others followed cavalryman Lt. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Without attempting negotiation, their governors seized all the forts and arsenals in their respective states except Fort Pickens in the harbour of Pensacola, Florida. Beauregard, an engineer officer of distinction, to Charleston to complete the defenses of the harbour. Grant immediately launched a vigorous counterattack, retaking most of the lost ground and gaining new positions as well. After discussions with General P.G.T. Outcome: Union Victory The next day, Flag Officer Andrew H. Footes ironclads moved upriver to bombard Fort Donelson. 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. Grant at Fort Donelson, - Project Gutenberg The battle was bloody: the South lost 1,500 to 3,500 men; Union losses were 500 killed and 2,100 wounded. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Later that day, he surrendered the fort and its garrison became the first of three Confederate armies to be captured by Grant during the course of the war. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant into the national spotlight and enabled Union advances up the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. [1], In late January 1863, Confederate Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler, commanding two brigades of cavalry, took position on the Cumberland River at Palmyra to disrupt Union shipping. Ulysses S. Grants terms for the surrender of Fort Donelson earned him the nickname, Unconditional Surrender Grant. However, it was too late in the day to begin. 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. Federal Identification Number (EIN): 54-1426643. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Battle of Fort Sumter, (April 1214, 1861), the opening engagement of the American Civil War, at the entrance to the harbour of Charleston, South Carolina. During the night of February 15 and 16, Confederate leaders discussed their options. Lambecker and James Birdeye McPherson. 931-232-5706. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest denounced Wheeler, a favorite of Gen. Braxton Bragg, saying he would not serve under him again. It was the North's first major victory of the Civil War, opening the way into the very heartland of the Confederacy. The battle took place from February 11 until February 16, 1862. Union General Ulysses S. Grant first won his first Civil War victory at Fort Donelson in February 1862, earning the nickname "Unconditional Surrender." Formerly enslaved African Americans flocked to the fort after the victory, and the site is now part of the Park Service's Underground Railroad Network to . ThoughtCo, Apr. Buchanan refused this request. Meanwhile, his commissioners in Washington requested the recall of the Federal troops from Charleston. The Union was forced to retreat following an attack on its right flank and center. U.S. War Department, Corps of Engineers. Sign up to receive the latest information on the American Battlefield Trust's efforts to blaze The Liberty Trail in South Carolina. Image Source: Library of Congress. This success opened the Tennessee River to Union shipping. Join us online July 24-26! 327 Confederate soldiers were killed at the Battle of Fort Donelson. 2,691 (killed, wounded, and missing/captured). Plan Your Visit - Fort Donelson National Battlefield (U.S. National Grant reasoned, correctly, that the Confederate right must be greatly reduced in strength given the heavy assault from the Confederate left. Strength. The capture of the fort would be a key victory for the Union and would clear the way to Nashville. The Battle of Fort Donelson was one of the early battles of the Civil War. Carondelet approached and tested the fort's defenses while Grant's troops moved into positions outside the fort. General Ulysses S. Grant scored major victories at Forts Henry and Donelson in February, forcing Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston to gather the scattered Rebel forces at Corinth,. Pvt. The most comprehensive and authoritative history site on the Internet. Did you know? The Battle of Dover, also known as the Second Battle of Fort Donelson, was a battle of the American Civil War, occurring on February 3, 1863, in Stewart County, Tennessee. Soon, Grant was joined by the vanguard of the Buells army. Our FREE Virtual Teacher Institute is the can't miss online educator event of the summer. Though their escape route was open, Pillow ordered his men back to their trenches to re-supply before departing. Grant was receiving reinforcements daily and had extended his right flank almost to Lick Creek to complete the encirclement of the Southerners. That night, Floyd met with his senior commanders, Brigadier-Generals Gideon Pillow and Simon B. Buckner, to discuss their options. First Battle of Bull Run - Dates, Location & Who Won - HISTORY Stay up-to-date on the American Battlefield Trust's battlefield preservation efforts, travel tips, upcoming events, history content and more. This was disastrous for the Confederates, who were unable to keep the Union out of Kentucky and Tennessee. At this stage neither side wanted war. Grant famously replied: This curt response earned Grant the nickname "Unconditional Surrender" Grant. 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. Accordingly, they massed their troops against the Union right, hoping to clear a route to Nashville and safety. Updated: September 13, 2022 | Original: November 9, 2009. Quick Facts Date Started: The Battle of Fort Donelson started on Wednesday, February 12, 1862. Nearly 17,000 Confederate soldiers, combined with improved artillery positions and earthworks convinced the inept Floyd that a hasty retreat was unnecessary. [1], .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct,.mw-parser-output .geo-inline-hidden{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}362905N 875127W / 36.48485N 87.85747W / 36.48485; -87.85747, Last edited on 27 November 2022, at 13:27, CWSAC Report Update and Resurvey: Individual Battlefield Profiles, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Dover_(1863)&oldid=1124127322, This page was last edited on 27 November 2022, at 13:27. [1], The Confederates set out for Dover and began an attack between 1 and 2 p.m., on February 3. Grant decided to attack Fort Donelson to achieve his goal of capturing the Confederate stronghold of Nashville. John Parrot/Stocktrek Images / Getty Images. The fort was named after Confederate general Daniel S. Donelson. Battle of Dover (1863) - Wikipedia Against the advice of a majority of his cabinet, he determined to send a relief expedition, carrying only food supplies, to Sumter. Lincoln and the leaders of the Republican Party refused to accept the adjustments that the Southerners demanded. In the battle, Grant captured nearly one-third of Johnston's available forces (more men than all previous U.S. generals combined) and was rewarded with a promotion to major general. It is the mission of Fort Donelson National Battlefield to protect the historic resources associated with the Civil War battle, to convey the significance of these events in the continuum of history, to provide a setting for contemplation and reverence, and to inspire in the community and nation a commitment to preserve these places for future generations. Question: What was the significance of the Battle of Fort Donelson? Nearby, a monument and the Fort Donelson National Cemetery commemorate the fallen soldiers of the battle and the Dover Hotel preserves the site where Grant accepted the surrender of General Buckner. When the U.S. troops marched out of the fort, they waved the U.S. flag and carried out a gun salute. February 11 - 16, 1862 The Battle of Fort Donelson After the fall of Fort Henry, Brig. This list shows the main battles and events that took place before and after the Battle of Fort Donelson, and how it fits into the chronological order of the Federal Penetration Up the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. Artillery regiment was the first of as many as 850,000 Americans who would perish before the cessation of hostilities. Casualties and losses. These volumes were an attempt to collect all the official reports, communications, and more from the War. Neither Buchanan nor Davis was eager to precipitate a crisis. The following information is provided for citations. The decisive Union victories at Forts Henry and Donelson thrust Grant into the national spotlight and opened the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers to the Union navy. The fighting ended at nightfall and Grant planned to resume the attack in the morning. The creators behind American History Central are historians, developers, and website specialists who have built multiple digital encyclopedias. Grant's answer was short and direct: "No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted." Grant brought his army, 42,000 strong, to rendezvous with General Don Carlos Buell and his 20,000 troops. Smith. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Grant earned his nickname "Unconditional Surrender" because of his actions and reply to the Confederates in the Battle of Fort Donelson. Several online versions are available, and may be helpful. Fort Donelson Tennessee Civil War Battle American Civil War The battle began on February 13 as Grants soldiers prodded Confederate lines; this early action suggested the ensuing battle would be costly. Johnston, however, did not wait for Grant and Buell to combine their forces. It was a sobering reminder to all in the Union and the Confederacy that the war would be long, bloody and costly. This was certainly true of the North, where a strong feeling was growing in favour of letting the erring sisters depart in peace. The South had assumed a defensive role, that of a newborn country asking only to be left alone. Confederate losses were much higher due to the surrender and numbered 327 killed, 1,127 wounded, and 12,392 captured. Delegates from the seceding states met at Montgomery, Alabama, organized the Confederate States of America, and set up a provisional government with Jefferson Davis as president. 37058, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. He would have gladly evacuated the fort to avert a civil war, but his duty as a soldier compelled him to sit with folded hands while the enemy was completing its preparations. That night, believing the situation hopeless, Floyd and Pillow turned command over to Buckner and departed the fort by water. Who Won? Shiloh: Pittsburg Landing. Of 1,000 men . A week after capturing Fort Henry on the Tennessee River,. The morning of February 14 dawned cold and quiet. Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest across swollen Lick Creek. Know how the Battle of Fort Sumter signaled the start of the American Civil War. Smith on the left, and the new arrivals in the center. This map of Fort Donelson and its environs was done by Lt. Col. James Birdseye McPherson after the battle. The Federals sent out a pursuit but to no avail. . Early on the morning of February 15, the Confederate assault struck the Union right and drove it back from its positions on Dudleys Hill. The next day, several small, probing attacks were launched to determine the strength of the Confederate works. The Confederates had many more casualties than the Union. If you would like to know more, please contact us. If the Federal flag should be fired upon, that would constitute a casus belli, and the responsibility for beginning the war would rest on the Confederates. By February 13, most of Grants soldiers were positioned on the landward (western) side of the fort. The Confederate generals-John Floyd, Gideon Pillow, Simon Buckner and Bushrod Johnson-also rejoiced; but sober reflection revealed another danger. The Federals, however, apprised of Wheeler's intent, refrained from sending any boats up or downriver. Experience the site of one of the most important battles of the Civil War at Fort Donelson National Battlefield. He has appeared on The History Channel as a featured expert. 800. Only about 5,000 Confederates, including legendary Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest and 500 of his cavalrymen, were able to escape. Library of Congress, Robert Knox Sneden, 1862-1865. James Buchanans term, when a succession of events occurred that brought the contending regions of the United States to the verge of armed conflict. Phone. Fort Donelson - HistoryNet The tired Confederates slowly retreated, but they inflicted heavy casualties on the Yankees. Pickens seized the arsenal and other forts around the harbour and began throwing up batteries against Sumter. Fort Donelson National Battlefield - Wikipedia By dusk, both sides were mostly without ammunition. It occurred at Fort Donelson, Tennessee, along the Cumberland River. This fact sheet provides a quick overview of the battle and is for kids doing research and students preparing for the AP U.S. History (APUSH) exam. The Confederate leaders ready acceptance of Lincolns challenge may have been due to a fear that without a collision the ardour of the Southern people, many of whom had opposed secession, might abate. Hickman, Kennedy. With an advantage in terms of troop numbers, Grant counterattacked on April 7. 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. Dates: February 11-16, 1862 The Odyssey of Ulysses. Grant maneuvered his troops in position to surround the Confederates, who were backed up against the Cumberland River. Today, it stands as a reminder of the Civil War and Tennessee's . Upon Andersons refusal to evacuate, the batteries opened fire at 4:30 am on April 12. His provisions would be exhausted by mid-April. Seven slave states had seceded, but eight still remained in the Union. Refusing to give up, Grant pressed the need for a success to Brigadier General C.F. The Union capture of the Confederate fort near the Tennessee - Kentucky border opened the Cumberland River, an important avenue for the invasion of the South. This Confederate failure left the Union in control in Middle Tennessee and a bitter Brig. more information on current conditions 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. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. On February 16, 1862, after the failure of their all-out attack aimed at breaking through Grant's investment lines, the fort's 12,000-man garrison . March 9, 1862. A: Fort Henry. Corrections? Ulysses S. Grant set out to capture the forts in early 1862 and by February 16, 1862. . Fort Donelson National Battlefield, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, palo alto battlefield national historical park, Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park. Park Archives: Fort Donelson National Battlefield - NPS History Prior to leaving, he instructed his commanders not to initiate a general engagement but failed to designate a second-in-command. Lincolns inaugural speech was really addressed to the slave states still in the Union. However, when a surprise attack by Confederate forces at the Battle of Shiloh yielded devastating casualties during the first day's fighting, President Abraham Lincoln received several demands for Grant's removal from command.

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