For 160 years the Battle of Fort Donelson has been regarded as one of the most strategic and known battles of the American Civil War, bringing the small community of Dover, Tennessee, to national attention. While the Fort Donelson battle remains well known, most are unaware of two later battles that occurred in and around the community. The “First Battle of Dover,” which occurred August 25, 1862, followed by the appropriately named “Second Battle of Dover,” of February 3, 1863, were both Confederate attempts to retake procession of the town of Dover.
On Saturday, August 6, the Fort Donelson National Battlefield staff will be hosting programs about the First Battle of Dover, the prior re-capture of Clarksville by Confederate Col. Thomas Woodward, and of his similar attempt for Dover. To better tell of Woodward’s attack and the use of Confederate artillery in the battle, national park staff and volunteers will be providing live artillery demonstrations.
Occurring adjacent to the Fort Donelson Visitor Center, 120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, program times are at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:00 PM. For questions or more information, Fort Donelson ranger staff may be contacted at 931-232- 5706, extension 0.
