Last updated: April 24, 2021
Place
Forge Road
National Park Service
Quick Facts
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto
On the morning of February 15, 1862, the Confederate divisions of Generals Gideon Pillow and Bushrod Johnson, along with Lieutenant Colonel N.B. Forrest's cavalry, launched an attack on the Union line held by Brigadier General John A. McClernand near this location. This road was known at that time as Forge Road because it led to Randolph Forge.
Soldiers with both the 26th Mississippi and 26th Tennessee infantries, later joined by other regiments, were successful in pushing General McClernand's Division from its position. Soldiers with the 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 20th, 30th, and 41st Illinois Infantries fought valiantly to hold their positions, before they were exhausted and scattered, needing ammunition to continue the fight.
For a brief time, Forge Road was open, which would have allowed a way of escape for Confederates. By nightfall, after more than six hours of continuous battle, the Confederates were ordered to return to their original positions. The way of escape was now closed, as Union forces moved to reoccupy the area once more.
The Texas Monument was placed in this location in 1963 to honor of the Texas troops who fought at Fort Donelson.
Soldiers with both the 26th Mississippi and 26th Tennessee infantries, later joined by other regiments, were successful in pushing General McClernand's Division from its position. Soldiers with the 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 20th, 30th, and 41st Illinois Infantries fought valiantly to hold their positions, before they were exhausted and scattered, needing ammunition to continue the fight.
For a brief time, Forge Road was open, which would have allowed a way of escape for Confederates. By nightfall, after more than six hours of continuous battle, the Confederates were ordered to return to their original positions. The way of escape was now closed, as Union forces moved to reoccupy the area once more.
The Texas Monument was placed in this location in 1963 to honor of the Texas troops who fought at Fort Donelson.