Making the Motley Crew
On February 14, 1862, in a bedazzling display of firepower, Union ironclad gunboats dueled with Confederate gunners manning the batteries overlooking the Cumberland River at Fort Donelson. After a 75-minute exchange, the wounded gunboats withdrew down the river, out of range of the Confederate cannon; Fort Donelson had withstood the first Union attempt to reduce the bastion in earnest. The Confederates, themselves unscathed, inflicted 44 casualties on Union naval personnel. Who were these riverine sailors who so valiantly manned the iron-plated vessels?
How had the United States Army and Navy conjured up a flotilla of gunboats from scratch in just under four months? What implications did this new technology have on river warfare and operations?
Join a ranger at Fort Donelson's River Batteries (Tour Stop #4) to discover the strengths and limitations of the Union's new "iron turtles," as well as to learn about the motley mix of men who crewed them into battle.
Programs are subject to staffing availability. In the interest of safety, in the event of inclement weather, programs are subject to cancelation. Information as to program status will be available online, or by contacting the Ranger office at 931-232-0576.
Fees
This event is free to attend.
Location
Lock D Loop, Dover, TN 37058 Tour Stop #4, Fort Donelson National Battlefield
Latitude and Longitude 36.493201, -87.856557
Schedule
Date:
Time:
Duration:
Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow the program to start on time.
Contact Information
Bill Fields
931-232-5706
Contact Us
Event Type
- Talk