Last updated: May 19, 2021
Place
Water Batteries
NPS
Quick Facts
Designation:
National Historic Register
Amenities
6 listed
Accessible Sites, Benches/Seating, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Wheelchair Accessible
Tour Stop #4 contains the site of the artillery batteries built by the Confederates for the defense of the Cumberland River. The upper gun battery has three guns: two 32-lb carronades and one rifled Columbiad. The lower battery features several 32-lb cannons and one smoothbore Columbiad.
Rivers were strategically important for both armies. The Confederates chose this site to protect not only the waterway, but their supply base located in Nashville, TN.
At this location, Confederate gunners exchanged fire with Union sailors aboard the City Series fleet of ironclad gunboats on February 14, 1862. If you walk in front of the gun battery emplacement at the Lower Gun Battery, you will find interpretive signs explaining the ironclads and a War Department plaque which describes the battle. Wayside intepretive exhibits are also located on the observation deck.
Rivers were strategically important for both armies. The Confederates chose this site to protect not only the waterway, but their supply base located in Nashville, TN.
At this location, Confederate gunners exchanged fire with Union sailors aboard the City Series fleet of ironclad gunboats on February 14, 1862. If you walk in front of the gun battery emplacement at the Lower Gun Battery, you will find interpretive signs explaining the ironclads and a War Department plaque which describes the battle. Wayside intepretive exhibits are also located on the observation deck.