According to an email from Ft. Donelson superintendent Brian McCrutchen, The National Park Service will host special events at Fort Donelson National Battlefield to mark the 164th anniversary of the 1862 Campaign for Forts Henry, Heiman, and Donelson. The campaign opened the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers to Union control and elevated Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant to national prominence.
Anniversary programming includes guided hikes, artillery demonstrations, living history programs, interpretive talks and an auto caravan tour of the battlefield. All programs are free and open to the public. Weather related program adjustments or cancelations will post at nps.gov/fodo and on the park’s Facebook page. Event status information is also available by calling the visitor center at 931-232-5706.
This Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, is full of planned events. At 10 am, a 0.6-mile, round-trip ranger-led hike examines one of the more illplanned and deadly Union actions of the battle. It starts at Battery Trail parking circle, 229 Sandy Road. Rumble on the River Artillery and Firing demonstrations will occur at 11am, noon and 3 pm at 120 Fort Donelson Park Road. Rangers and living history volunteers will demonstrate Civil War artillery firing procedures and illustrate how cannons were used during the campaign. Ear protection is recommended…