Place

The Confederate Fort

a view of the cabins
A Summertime View of the Log Huts within the Fort

NPS

Quick Facts

Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible

If you're at Tour Stop #3, you are inside the fortification. Earthen walls were constructed on the high ridges around the "bowl" or hollow. The park road was built through the fort walls; once you leave this area, you are driving or walking away from the fort toward the river.

The 15-acre fort was built between June-December 1861. Confederates built winter quarters, similar to the reproduction log hut visible from this point. This was a training camp for volunteers: they were mustered into Confederate regiments at this site, practiced their drills, and worked on the construction of the fort.

According to post-battle accounts, the huts were burned after the battle.

Weathering and erosion impacted the fortification since the Civil War. We urge you to protect these cultural resources by not walking on the fort wall.

Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Last updated: May 19, 2021