Rumble on the River

On February 14, 1862, the Union City-Class Gunboats set out to attack Fort Donelson, hoping to capture it just like they had done with Fort Henry a week earlier. But this time, things didn’t go as planned. The Confederate artillery was ready and waiting, and they heavily damaged the gunboats, resulting in the deaths of 10 sailors and injuries to 44 others. The Confederates didn’t lose a single soldier during this fierce battle. What was supposed to be an easy victory turned into a shocking defeat for the Union forces and their new iron ships.

Want to learn more about these incredible ships and the dramatic events of that Valentine's Day in 1862? Join our park staff every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at 10 AM for an exciting program! You'll discover the fascinating history of these ironclad vessels and what really happened during the battle.

Please note that programs depend on staff availability, and if the weather turns bad, we may have to cancel. You can check the status of the program online or call the Ranger office at 931-232-0576 for updates. Don’t miss out on this thrilling piece of history!

You may also like the following events from Fort Donelson National Battlefield:

• This Sunday, 18th May, 01:30 pm, "A good vocabulary of cuss words," The 20th MS, Gen. Floyd and the surrender at Fort Donelson in Dover
• Next Saturday, 24th May, 01:00 pm, Fort Donelson Battlefield Caravan Tour in Dover
• Next Sunday, 25th May, 01:30 pm, The Surrender House in Dover

Also check out other Workshops in Dover, Performances in Dover, Arts events in Dover.