FORT DONELSON NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD WELCOMES THE 50TH TENNESSEE INFANTRY (CSA) FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Date: August 18, 2009

Dover, Tennessee---Interpretive programs and Civil War musket firings will be the highlight for Labor Day Weekend at Fort Donelson National Battlefield. This year’s programs, hosted by the 50^th Tennessee Infantry (CSA), will also include a Civil War surgeon’s program. The Civil War camps will be set up on September 5 and 6, 2009.

The historic Dover Hotel will also be open for visitation during Labor Day Weekend from noon – 4 pm. All events are free.

The 50^th Tennessee Infantry was organized as a regiment on Christmas Day, 1861 at Fort Donelson, and they comprised part of the Confederate garrison until February 1862. The 50^th Tennessee Re-enactor regiment has been conducting programs for over 30 years at the park. Their camps will be opened from 10 am – 3 pm on September 5 and 6, 2009.

Fort Donelson National Battlefield, one of 391 national parks, commemorates the 1862 battle between U.S. forces led by General Ulysses S. Grant and Confederate forces under Simon B. Buckner. The National Park Service preserves and protects the battlefield, surrender site, and national cemetery.  The park offers Junior Ranger Programs free to children ages 5 – 12 years.

Weekend events are free. Visit the park’s website  or contact the Ranger staff at [phone] ext 101 for more information.