Battle of Fort Donelson

Other Names: None

Location: Stewart County, Tennessee

Campaign: Federal Penetration up the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers (1862)

Date: February 11-16, 1862

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Flag-Officer A.H. Foote [US]; Brig. Gen. John B. Floyd, Brig. Gen. Gideon Pillow, and Brig. Gen. Simon B. Buckner [CS]

Forces Engaged: Army in the Field (24,531; 4 Ironclads, 3 timberclads [US]; Fort Donelson Garrison (16,171) [CS]

Casualties and losses: 17,398 total (US 2,331; CS 15,067)

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

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."