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Dover House, where Confederate General Simon Buckner surrendered to U.S. Grant, February 16, 1862
Dover Hotel, built 1851-1853, site of the surrender of Confederate General Simon B. Buckner to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, February 16, 1862 Photo: Dietrich C. Ullrich

Fort Donelson National Battlefield

During the Civil War, the capture of the Confederate bastion, Fort Donelson, in February 1862 was the North's first major victory, opening the way into the heart of the Confederacy. During the battle, as the situation become hopeless, two Confederate generals with 2,000 soldiers slipped away, leaving Confederate Brigadier Simon B. Buckner behind to ask terms of surrender. Union Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant, who commanded the Military District of Southeast Missouri, responded, "No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted." Thereafter, Grant was known as "Unconditional Surrender" Grant.

Fort Donelson National Battlefield is part of the National Park System; it contains ten historic sites marking events during the battle. These include the fort itself; the Dover Hotel, where the surrender took place; log huts; river batteries; a national cemetery; and a confederate monument.

Documentation includes park brochures and photographs.

Originally submitted by: John S. Tanner, Representative (8th District).



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