What was the primary objective achieved by the Union capture of Fort Donelson?

The Union's capture of Fort Donelson was significant because it opened the Cumberland River, which served as a crucial waterway for invading the Southern United States. This victory also propelled Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant to the rank of major general and earned him the nickname "Unconditional Surrender" Grant.

When and where did the Battle of Fort Donelson take place?

The Battle of Fort Donelson occurred from February 11 to February 16, 1862, near Fort Donelson in Stewart County, Tennessee, along the border with Kentucky.

What was the immediate consequence for Union leadership following the Battle of Fort Donelson?

The Union success at Fort Donelson led to the promotion of Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant to the rank of major general, recognizing his leadership in the victory. He also gained the notable nickname "Unconditional Surrender" Grant.

What action did Union forces take immediately after capturing Fort Henry?

Following their capture of Fort Henry on February 6, 1862, Union forces, which would later become the Army of the Tennessee, marched approximately 12 miles overland to Fort Donelson between February 11 and 13, initiating probing attacks.

What role did Union gunboats play in the early stages of the Battle of Fort Donelson?

On February 14, Union gunboats, commanded by Flag Officer Andrew H. Foote, attempted to bombard and reduce Fort Donelson. However, they were forced to withdraw after sustaining substantial damage from the fort's water batteries.

What was the Confederate objective during their attack on February 15?

On February 15, Confederate forces, led by Brigadier General Gideon Johnson Pillow, launched a surprise attack against the Union right flank. Their intention was to create an escape route for their troops to retreat towards Nashville, Tennessee.

How did Ulysses S. Grant react to the Confederate breakout attempt on February 15?

Grant was away from the battlefield when the Confederate attack began but returned promptly to rally his troops and launch a counterattack, effectively repelling the Confederate attempt to open an escape route.

Who ultimately surrendered Fort Donelson to the Union forces?

After Generals Floyd and Pillow escaped, Brigadier General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr. took command of the remaining Confederate forces and accepted Grant's demand for unconditional surrender.

What were the immediate territorial consequences of the Union victory at Fort Donelson?

The Union victory resulted in the loss of Kentucky and a significant portion of Tennessee, including its capital, Nashville, for the Confederacy.

What was the military situation for the Confederacy following the surrender of Fort Henry?

The surrender of Fort Henry divided Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston's main forces, separating those at Columbus, Kentucky, from those at Bowling Green, Kentucky, and leaving Fort Donelson with a comparatively small garrison.

What difficult choices did the Confederacy face after Fort Henry's fall?

The Confederacy had to decide how to redeploy its forces to defend against Union advances, considering potential attacks on Columbus, Fort Donelson (threatening Nashville), or a direct confrontation with larger Union armies under Grant and Buell.

What was the Confederate assessment of Fort Donelson's defensibility after Fort Henry?

Confederate generals, including Johnston, Beauregard, and Hardee, were apprehensive about Fort Donelson's vulnerability, partly due to the perceived ease with which Union gunboats had captured Fort Henry, failing to fully account for the role of rising waters.

Who was placed in command of the Confederate forces defending the Cumberland River, and what was his background?

Brigadier General John B. Floyd was given command of the district responsible for defending the Cumberland River. Floyd had a political background, having served as U.S. Secretary of War under President James Buchanan, rather than a military one, and was a wanted man in the North.

What were Union General Henry W. Halleck's concerns regarding Grant's operations?

Halleck, Grant's superior, was apprehensive about the risks involved in continuing operations towards Fort Donelson, viewing Grant as reckless and attempting to have Don Carlos Buell take command of the campaign.

What was Grant's initial, overly optimistic prediction for capturing Fort Donelson?

Grant initially wired his superior, Halleck, on February 6, stating, "Fort Henry is ours. ... I shall take and destroy Fort Donelson on the 8th and return to Fort Henry." This deadline proved unrealistic due to several factors.

What factors prevented Grant from capturing Fort Donelson by his predicted date of February 8?

Grant's timeline was delayed by miserable road conditions during the march to Donelson, the need to evacuate troops from the now-submerged Fort Henry, and damage sustained by Foote's gunboats at Fort Henry.

What was the composition of Grant's Union Army of the Tennessee at Fort Donelson?

Grant's army consisted of three divisions commanded by Brigadier Generals McClernand, C.F. Smith, and Lew Wallace, supported by cavalry and artillery units, totaling nearly 25,000 men, though only about 15,000 were available at the battle's start.

What naval assets did the Union deploy at Fort Donelson?

The Union deployed the Western Gunboat Flotilla, commanded by Flag Officer Andrew H. Foote, which included four ironclad gunboats (USS St. Louis, Carondelet, Louisville, and Pittsburg) and three timberclad gunboats (USS Conestoga, Tyler, and Lexington).

Describe the defensive fortifications of Fort Donelson.

Fort Donelson was situated on high ground above the Cumberland River, featuring approximately three miles of trenches in a semicircle around the fort and Dover. These defenses included river batteries with various cannons and were protected by an abatis of cut trees, with trenches manned by troops on a commanding ridge.

What happened during the preliminary Union attacks on February 12 and 13?

On February 12, Union troops advanced, delayed by Forrest's cavalry. On February 13, despite Grant's orders against provoking a general engagement, Union forces under C.F. Smith and McClernand conducted probing attacks that resulted in light casualties and no significant gains, while both sides endured harsh weather.

What was the outcome of the Union naval attack on February 14?

The Union gunboats attacked the fort's river batteries but were repulsed. Flag Officer Foote was wounded, and several gunboats, including the flagship USS St. Louis, sustained heavy damage, forcing the flotilla to retreat downriver.

How did the arrival of Lew Wallace's brigade and reinforcements affect the Union position on February 14?

Lew Wallace's brigade arrived from Fort Henry, and Foote's flotilla brought additional reinforcements and gunboats. Wallace assembled a third division, strengthening the Union line and allowing it to extend its right flank to Lick Creek, anchoring it effectively.

What was the Confederate plan for the breakout attempt on the morning of February 15?

The Confederate plan was for Pillow to push back McClernand's division, seize key roads to Nashville, and for Buckner's division to act as a rear guard while the rest of the army withdrew. A single regiment was to remain in the trenches to delay pursuit.

What was the initial success of the Confederate breakout attempt on February 15?

The Confederate assault, led by Pillow, was initially successful due to the inexperience of McClernand's troops and a flanking maneuver by Forrest's cavalry. They pushed back Union lines and opened the escape route to Nashville.

How did Union General Lew Wallace respond to McClernand's request for aid during the breakout attempt?

Initially hesitant due to Grant's absence and orders not to engage, Wallace eventually sent Colonel Charles Cruft's brigade to reinforce McClernand's beleaguered troops after receiving a second, more desperate plea.

Why did the Confederates ultimately fail to exploit their morning success on February 15?

Despite opening an escape route, Confederate generals Pillow and Floyd ordered their troops back to the fort's trenches by the afternoon. Pillow cited the need to regroup and resupply, while Floyd feared Union reinforcements, forfeiting the gains made earlier that day.

What action did Union General C.F. Smith take on the afternoon of February 15?

Grant ordered Smith to attack and capture Fort Donelson. Smith successfully seized the outer entrenchments on the Confederate right flank, positioning the Union to take the fort the next morning.

What was the outcome of Lew Wallace's counterattack on the Union right flank on February 15?

Lew Wallace led his troops in a counterattack that succeeded in retaking the ground lost by McClernand's division earlier that morning, driving the Confederates back to their original positions by nightfall.

What decision did the Confederate commanders make during their final council of war on February 16?

Recognizing their desperate situation and the arrival of Union reinforcements, the Confederate commanders, led by Buckner, decided that surrender was the only viable option, as holding the fort against another attack would be impossible.

Which Confederate commanders escaped before the surrender?

Generals John B. Floyd and Gideon J. Pillow escaped the fort. Floyd left on a steamer with his Virginia regiments, while Pillow escaped by small boat across the Cumberland River. Nathan Bedford Forrest also led his cavalrymen in an escape.

What were the terms of surrender demanded by Ulysses S. Grant?

Grant demanded "unconditional and immediate surrender," a demand that earned him the nickname "Unconditional Surrender" Grant and offered no negotiation on terms.

What was Simon Bolivar Buckner's response to Grant's demand for unconditional surrender?

Buckner, acknowledging the "overwhelming force" and the "desperate position," accepted the "ungenerous and unchivalrous terms" of unconditional surrender, stating that he had no choice given the circumstances.

What was the total number of Confederate prisoners captured at Fort Donelson?

Approximately 12,392 Confederate soldiers were captured and surrendered at Fort Donelson, along with 48 artillery pieces and significant military equipment.

How did the Union victory at Fort Donelson impact the Confederacy's control over Tennessee?

The victory led to the fall of Nashville, the first Confederate state capital to be captured, and effectively placed most of Tennessee under Union control, significantly weakening the Confederacy's position in the Western Theater.

What was the reaction in the North to the news of the victory at Fort Donelson?

The news of the Union victory was met with widespread celebration in the North, with cannons fired and church bells rung, as reported by newspapers like the Chicago Tribune.

How did the Battle of Fort Donelson contribute to Ulysses S. Grant's career?

The victory significantly boosted Grant's reputation, leading to his promotion to major general and earning him the memorable nickname "Unconditional Surrender" Grant, marking him as a key Union leader.

What was the total number of casualties for both sides at Fort Donelson?

Union casualties were 2,691 (507 killed, 1,976 wounded, 208 captured/missing). Confederate casualties were significantly higher at 13,846 (327 killed, 1,127 wounded, and 12,392 captured/missing).

What strategic advantage did the Union gain by controlling the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers?

By controlling these rivers, the Union gained vital avenues for troop and supply movements deep into the heartland of the Confederacy, enabling further offensive operations.

What did Grant reflect on in his memoirs regarding the potential impact of unified Union command in the West?

Grant wrote that if all Union forces in the West had been unified under a single commander to capitalize on the victory at Fort Donelson, the fighting in the western theaters could have concluded much more quickly.

How did the loss at Fort Donelson affect Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston's forces?

The battle resulted in the capture of nearly a third of Johnston's forces, depriving him of over twelve thousand soldiers who could have been crucial in subsequent engagements like the Battle of Shiloh.

What happened to the captured Confederate soldiers after the surrender?

Over 7,000 Confederate prisoners of war were transported from Fort Donelson to Union prison camps, including Camp Douglas in Chicago and Camp Morton in Indianapolis.

What is the current status of the Fort Donelson battlefield?

The site of the battle is preserved by the National Park Service as Fort Donelson National Battlefield, with organizations like the American Battlefield Trust actively acquiring and preserving additional acreage.

What was the significance of the "rebel yell" heard by Union troops during the battle?

The "rebel yell" was a famous and unnerving battle cry used by Confederate troops, which Union soldiers in the West heard for the first time during the breakout attempt on February 15.

How did the Union gunboats fare during their attack on the water batteries?

The Union gunboats were heavily damaged by Confederate artillery fire. The flagship USS St. Louis was hit 59 times, and other vessels like the USS Louisville were disabled, forcing a retreat.

What was the role of Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalry during the battle?

Forrest's cavalry played a crucial role by delaying the Union advance on February 12 and later by launching a flanking attack on February 15 that contributed to the initial success of the Confederate breakout attempt.

What was the condition of the soldiers on both sides during the night of February 13-14?

Both Union and Confederate soldiers endured extreme cold and hardship due to a snowstorm. Many lacked adequate blankets or overcoats, and were unable to light fires, leading to widespread suffering.

What was the primary reason for the Confederate leadership's decision to surrender?

The Confederate leadership, particularly Buckner, recognized that their position was untenable due to Union reinforcements and the loss of key defensive positions, making further resistance futile and likely to result in extremely high casualties.

What personal humiliation did Simon Bolivar Buckner face after the surrender?

Buckner, who had hoped for lenient terms due to a past friendship with Grant, was personally humiliated by Grant's "unconditional surrender" demand and was subsequently held as a prisoner of war until his exchange in August 1862.

What was the Union's overall strategic gain from the Fort Donelson campaign?

The campaign secured Union control over Kentucky and much of Tennessee, opened vital river routes for invasion, and significantly weakened the Confederate defensive line in the Western Theater.

How did Grant's relationship with Buckner influence the surrender terms?

Despite their past friendship, Grant showed no leniency towards Buckner's surrender demand, adhering strictly to his "unconditional surrender" policy, which was a stark contrast to Buckner's expectations.

What was the significance of the Union capturing Fort Donelson in the context of the Civil War?

The capture of Fort Donelson marked one of the first major Union victories of the Civil War, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated land and naval operations and significantly boosting Union morale and strategic momentum in the West.

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Strategic Significance

Opening the Rivers

The Battle of Fort Donelson, fought from February 11–16, 1862, marked a critical Union victory in the Western Theater of the American Civil War. Its capture effectively opened the Cumberland River, providing a crucial pathway for Union forces to penetrate deep into the Confederacy.

Grant's Ascent

This engagement served as a significant catalyst for the career of Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. His decisive leadership and the eventual demand for "unconditional surrender" earned him national recognition and promotion to Major General, establishing him as a key figure in the Union war effort.

Confederate Repercussions

The loss of Fort Donelson resulted in the surrender of over 12,000 Confederate soldiers and significant materiel. This strategic defeat led directly to the fall of Nashville, the first Confederate state capital to be captured, and ceded control of much of Kentucky and Tennessee to the Union.

Commanders and Strength

Union Command

Union forces were primarily composed of the Army of the Tennessee, under the overall command of Maj. Gen. Henry W. Halleck, with Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant leading the field operations. Key subordinate commanders included Brig. Gens. John A. McClernand, C.F. Smith, and Lew Wallace. The Western Gunboat Flotilla, led by Flag Officer Andrew H. Foote, provided crucial naval support.

Approximate Strength: ~25,000 men (initial deployment ~15,000), 7 gunboats.

Confederate Command

The Confederate defense was led by Brig. Gen. John B. Floyd, with Brig. Gens. Gideon J. Pillow and Simon Bolivar Buckner as key subordinates. Lt. Col. Nathan Bedford Forrest commanded the cavalry. The garrison comprised troops from the Army of Central Kentucky and local forces.

Approximate Strength: ~16,171 men.

The Engagement Unfolds

Initial Probes and Naval Action

Following the capture of Fort Henry, Grant's army advanced overland to Fort Donelson. Initial Union probing attacks occurred on February 12-13 amidst harsh winter conditions. On February 14, Union gunboats under Foote attempted to bombard the fort's water batteries but were repulsed with significant damage, forcing Grant to rely primarily on his land forces.

The Breakout Attempt

On the morning of February 15, Confederate commanders, fearing encirclement, launched a surprise assault led by Pillow against the Union right flank. Their objective was to open an escape route towards Nashville. The attack initially succeeded in pushing back Union lines, creating an opening.

Counterattack and Stalemate

Grant, returning to the front, rallied his troops and ordered counterattacks. While the Confederates managed to open an escape route, confusion and indecision led them to withdraw back into the fort's defenses. Meanwhile, Union forces under C.F. Smith secured crucial outer trenches on the Confederate left flank.

Unconditional Surrender

Recognizing the untenable position, Brig. Gen. Buckner, who had assumed command after Floyd and Pillow fled, requested terms for surrender. Grant famously responded, demanding "unconditional and immediate surrender." Buckner complied on February 16, leading to the capture of approximately 12,392 Confederate soldiers.

Consequences and Legacy

Casualties and Losses

Union casualties numbered around 2,691 (killed, wounded, captured/missing). Confederate losses were significantly higher, totaling approximately 13,846, including the vast majority of their garrison.

Strategic Impact

The Union victory at Fort Donelson was strategically decisive. It secured control of the Cumberland River, facilitated the Union advance into Tennessee, and led to the fall of Nashville. This success significantly boosted Union morale and demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated land and naval operations.

Preservation

The battlefield is preserved as Fort Donelson National Battlefield by the National Park Service, commemorating the site of this crucial Union triumph and the strategic opening of the Confederacy's heartland.

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References

NPS

Esposito, map 26; Gott, pp. 138, 282â85; Nevin, p. 81; Cooling, Campaign for Fort Donelson, p. 21.

Cooling, Campaign for Fort Donelson, pp. 5â6; Kennedy, p. 45; Foote, p. 194; Gott, pp. 16â17, 173, 180.

Gott, pp. 157â64; Cooling, Campaign for Fort Donelson, pp. 23â25; Nevin, p. 82; Woodworth, pp. 86â88.

Cooling, Fort Donelson's Legacy, p. 2; Hamilton, p. 100; Knight, Fort Donelson, pp. 104â105.

Woodworth, pp. 89â90; Gott, pp. 165â66; Cooling, Campaign for Fort Donelson, pp. 25â26; Eicher, p. 173.

Cooling, Campaign for Fort Donelson, pp. 26â27; Nevin, pp. 83â84; Gott, pp. 177â82.

Nevin, pp. 84â86; Gott, p. 192; Cooling, Campaign for Fort Donelson, pp. 28â29; Woodworth, p. 94.

Nevin, pp. 86â87; Gott, pp. 194â203; Cooling, Campaign for Fort Donelson, p. 29; Woodworth, p. 96.

Cooling, Campaign for Fort Donelson, pp. 31â32; Nevin, pp. 87â90; Gott, pp. 222â24; Eicher, p. 176.

Eicher, p. 176; Cooling, Campaign for Fort Donelson, p. 31; Nevin, p. 90; Gott, pp. 220â21.

Cooling, Campaign for Fort Donelson, pp. 32â33; Nevin, p. 90; Gott, pp. 226â31; Woodworth, pp. 108â11.

Gott, pp. 231â35; Woodworth, pp. 111â13; Eicher, p. 178; Cooling, Campaign for Fort Donelson, pp. 33â34.

Nevin, p. 93; Gott, pp. 237â40; Woodworth, p. 115; Eicher, p. 178; Cooling, Campaign for Fort Donelson, p. 35.

Stephens, p. 58; Cooling, Campaign for Fort Donelson, p. 37; Gott, pp. 240â41, 252â53; Woodworth, p. 116; Nevin, pp. 93â94.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Battle of Fort Donelson Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model based on historical data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the provided source material, it is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Historical interpretations can evolve, and this presentation represents a specific synthesis of available information.

This is not military strategy advice. The information presented should not be used as a substitute for professional historical analysis or strategic consultation. Always consult primary sources and scholarly works for a comprehensive understanding of historical events.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Fort Donelson: The River Gateway Secured

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Strategic Significance 🗺️

🚢 Opening the Rivers

⭐ Grant's Ascent

📉 Confederate Repercussions

Commanders and Strength ⚖️

🇺🇸 Union Command

🇨🇸 Confederate Command

The Engagement Unfolds 💥

⚔️ Initial Probes and Naval Action

🏃 The Breakout Attempt

↩️ Counterattack and Stalemate

📜 Unconditional Surrender

Consequences and Legacy 🏆

📊 Casualties and Losses

🏛️ Strategic Impact

🏞️ Preservation

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Strategic Significance

Opening the Rivers

Grant's Ascent

Confederate Repercussions

Commanders and Strength

Union Command

Confederate Command

The Engagement Unfolds

Initial Probes and Naval Action

The Breakout Attempt

Counterattack and Stalemate

Unconditional Surrender

Consequences and Legacy

Casualties and Losses

Strategic Impact

Preservation

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Historical Context Disclaimer

Important Notice