Fort Donelson National Battlefield • KY,TN

The View from the Upper River Battery

Hallowed ground.

cannon overlooking river

Historic hotel

cemetery gate

Confederate earthworks.

cannon and costumed volunteers

picnic tables

Cannon drills during the 154th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Donelson

early spring native flowers

Cannons on Lower River Battery

water and trees view of Tennessee River

"Fort Donelson will hereafter be marked in Capitals on the maps of our United Country..." 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. The Union victory at Fort Donelson elated the North and stunned the South. Within days of the surrender, Clarksville and Nashville would fall into Union hands. Grant and his troops had created a pathway to victory for the Union.

A commanding view of the Cumberland River from the Upper Artillery Battery
NPS

The Fort Donelson National Cemetery, final resting place for Soldiers who fell in battle during the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II.
NPS Photo

Quiet Afternoon overlooking the Cumberland River, Fort Donelson NB
NPS

The Dover Hotel, site of the first major Civil War surrender.
NPS

Fort Donelson National Cemetery: Final resting place for thousands of American Veterans
NPS

A view of the earthworks, where Confederate Soldiers once stood watch.
NPS

Volunteers demonstrate Field Artillery at Fort Donelson NB
NPS

Enjoy your lunch at the Picnic Area, Fort Donelson NB
NPS

Volunteers of the 9th Kentucky Infantry Re-enactors demonstrate field artillery
NPS

Native plants found on park trails during springtime hikes
NPS

Observation Deck on the Cumberland River
NPS

A View from Fort Heiman, Kentucky overlooking Kentucky Lake
NPS/dwatkins

Hours and seasons

Reservations and timed entry

Fees and passes

Park road goes into Fort Donelson and two pillars with stacks of cannon balls stand on each side.

Find important information before you visit!

NPS entry sign to Fort Donelson National Battlefield with stacked cannonballs.

Learn more about the park before you visit!

Photo of the river batteries and visitors on an overlook

Find out about various things to do while visiting Fort Donelson!

Newspaper print of Union soldiers storming Confederate trenches in a wooded area.

Learn about one of the most important Union victories of the war!

Fort Donelson National Cemetery with American Flags, monument and Caretakers house.

Learn about Fort Donelson National Cemetery or search through our database.

10lb bronze cannon facing a forrest

Basic park information including operating hours, and directions.

Satellite Map of Fort Donelson

Directions to Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Union soldiers stand in a line firing muskets.

Fort Donelson offers programs and special events throughout the year. Check here to see what is coming up soon!

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

174 National Cemetery Drive
PO Box 434
Dover, TN 37058

Phone:

931-232-5706

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