Battle of Fort Donelson

Battle of Fort Donelson Began: February 11, 1862 Ended: February 16, 1862 Location: Stewart County, Tennessee Theater: Western Theater Campaign: Federal Penetration up the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers Outcome: Union victory Combatants District of Cairo Western Flotilla Army of Central Kentucky Fort Donelson garrison Commanders Ulysses S. Grant Brigadier General, USA Andrew H. Foote Commodore, USN John B. Floyd Brigadier General, CSA Gideon Pillow Brigadier General, CSA Simon B. Buckner Brigadier General, CSA Strength 24,531 soldiers 16,171 soldiers Casualties 2,331 15,067

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After capturing Fort Henry on February 6, 1862, Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant advanced cross-country to invest Fort Donelson. On February 16, 1862, after the failure of their all-out attack aimed at breaking through Grant’s investment lines, the fort’s 12,000-man garrison surrendered unconditionally. This was a major victory for Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and a catastrophe for the South. It ensured that Kentucky would stay in the Union and opened up Tennessee for a Northern advance along the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. Grant received a promotion to major general for his victory and attained stature in the Western Theater, earning the nom de guerre “Unconditional Surrender.” (NPS summary)