The View from the Upper River Battery

National Battlefield

Fort Donelson National Battlefield

visit on nps.gov

Info

Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant was becoming quite famous as he wrote these words following the surrender of Confederate Fort Donelson on Sunday, February 16, 1862. The Union victory at Fort Donelson elated the North, and stunned the South. Within days of the surrender, Clarksville and Nashville would fall into Union hands. Grant and his troops had created a pathway to victory for the Union.

Park Photos

The View from the Upper River Battery
1 of 15

A commanding view of the Cumberland River from the Upper Artillery Battery

Credit: NPS

The View from the Upper River Battery
Hallowed ground.
cannon overlooking river
Historic hotel
cemetery gate
Confederate earthworks.
cannon and costumed volunteers
bald eagles nesting
picnic tables
Cannon drills during the 154th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Donelson
wayside exhibit in the national cemetery
early spring native flowers
native plants found in the park
Cannons on Lower River Battery
water and trees view of Tennessee River

Activities

Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Junior Ranger Program
Museum Exhibits
Auto and ATV
Scenic Driving
Hiking
Park Film

Operating Hours

Fort Donelson NB Visitor Center is open daily 8:30 am - 4:00 pm CST. Dover Hotel hours are 8:30 am - 4:00 pm CST daily. The park is closed Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1. Hours change seasonally. The park tour route is open: Spring time change to Memorial Day: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm CDT Memorial Day to Labor Day: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm CDT Labor Day to fall time change: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm CST Fall time change to spring time change: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CST

DayHours
Friday
8:00AM - 4:30PM
Monday
8:00AM - 4:30PM
Sunday
8:00AM - 4:30PM
Tuesday
8:00AM - 4:30PM
Saturday
8:00AM - 4:30PM
Thursday
8:00AM - 4:30PM
Wednesday
8:00AM - 4:30PM

Weather info

Fort Donelson National Battlefield traditionally experiences mild to moderate winters and hot summers with an average high of 90 degrees in the summer and 40 in winter; average lows in the winter are 30 degrees but single digits are not unusual. Rainfall in the area averages 53 inches a year with an additional 6 inches of ice/snow and violent thunderstorms can take place at any time of year.

Events