“Iron Valentines”: The Naval Battles of Forts Henry and Donelson

Join a park ranger who will discuss the intense engagements between Federal ironclads and Confederate shore batteries. These actions transformed riverine warfare during the Civil War. 

Lower River Battery, Tour Stop 4

An Unprecedented Victory: The Surrender at Fort Donelson

Join rangers to learn about the historic surrender that took place at the Dover Hotel and about the meeting of Confederate commanders to decide the fate of their army. The decision to surrender changed the course of the Civil War, and the landing below the hotel witness......More

Join rangers to learn about the historic surrender that took place at the Dover Hotel and about the meeting of Confederate commanders to decide the fate of their army. The decision to surrender changed the course of the Civil War, and the landing below the hotel witnessed thousands of prisoners of war boarding boats for prison camps.

Dover Hotel (“Surrender House”), Tour Stop 10, 101 Petty St., Dover

"...for us to be dedicated...": Fort Donelson National Cemetery

Learn about the history of Fort Donelson National Cemetery and how it was part of a new national effort to memorialize Union Civil War dead.

Fort Donelson National Cemetery, Tour Stop 11, 174 National Cemetery Drive, Dover

"You Came Here to Die": Brig. Gen. Charles F. Smith and the Taking of Fort Donelson

Join a ranger who will recount the determined Union assault up a snow-covered ridge and explain how the attack sealed Union success and a Confederate defeat.

Smith's Attack, Tour Stop 5