National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Fort Donelson National Battlefield Ironclad Gunboat
view map
text size: largest larger normal
printer friendly
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
Graves' Battery
Graves' Battery
Part Staff
Graves' Battery
 

Placed here to guard the Indian Creek Valley, this six-gun battery saw more

action when it moved in support of the Confederate breakout attempt near the

Forge Road (see stop 9).


*In June of 2011, gates were installed at Graves' Battery to assist the park in protecting the resources while park personnel are not on duty. The gate will be opened by 8:00 AM each morning, and closed at 4:30PM each evening effective November 6, 2011.

 
Rice Graves

Rice E. Graves was born in Rockbridge, Virginia, but grew up in Kentucky. He received a Presidential appointment into the United States Army after his impressive showing at West Point Academy, but resigned this position to join the Confederate States Army. He received praise for his service at Fort Donelson. He died during the Battle of Chickamauga in September of 1863.

 
View towards Graves Battery Loop - 1935

 Graves' Battery loop as it appeared in 1935. New columns have been installed at this location to replicate those installed by the War Department during the years they managed the park.

You are exiting the National Park Service website

Thank you for visiting our site.

You will now be redirected to:

We hope your visit was informative and enjoyable.

Gunboat

Did You Know?
Andrew Foote, commander of the Navy flotilla at Fort Donelson, insisted on total abstinence for the crews, mandatory religious services and observance of the Sabbath, and he himself rarely swore. It was said that he could preach, fight, or pray with equal facility.
more...

Last Updated: November 22, 2011 at 10:28 MST