Confederate Attack on Fort Donelson Begins
February 15th, 1862
February 15th, 1862
How Long Ago?
163 years, 1 month ago
Location
Fort Donelson, Tennessee, United States
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
American Civil War
People
- Ulysses S. Grant
- John B. Floyd
Links & References
Tags
Confederate Attack on Fort Donelson Begins
Brigadier General John B. Floyd led Confederate forces against Union troops commanded by General Ulysses S. Grant at Fort Donelson in Tennessee. The Confederate forces attempted to break the Union encirclement but were ultimately unsuccessful. The siege intensified, leading to the surrender of the Confederate garrison the following day, marking a significant loss for the Confederacy in the western theater of the American Civil War.
Fort Donelson was vital for Confederate supply lines.
Grant's victory boosted Union morale and strategy.
Floyd's forces surrendered the day after the attack.
This battle opened the Cumberland River to Union control.
What Happened?
The Confederate attempt to relieve Fort Donelson, commanded by Brigadier General John B. Floyd, occurred during a critical moment of the American Civil War in February 1862. As General Ulysses S. Grant's Union forces laid siege to the fort, tensions escalated as both sides prepared for confrontation. Fort Donelson, located on the Cumberland River in Tennessee, was a strategically important position for the Confederacy, serving as a key supply line and defensive stronghold for their operations in the West.
On February 15, Floyd's Confederate troops, faced with growing pressures from Grant’s forces, launched a counter-offensive with hopes of breaking the siege. However, despite their efforts, they were unable to create a sustainable path through the Union lines. The Union forces held firm, employing their artillery and infantry strategies effectively against the Confederate assault. The fighting was marked by fierce determination and tenacity on both sides, with casualties mounting as the hours went by.
Ultimately, the Confederate forces realized the futility of their situation, leading to the decision to surrender the following day. This marked not only a loss for Floyd's forces but also a significant victory for Grant, which bolstered his reputation and the Union's morale, while deeply impacting Confederate efforts in the western territory.
Why Does it Matter?
The events surrounding Fort Donelson were pivotal in shaping the early phase of the American Civil War. The Union’s victory not only opened up the Cumberland River for Union troops, facilitating further advances into the South, but also dealt a severe blow to the Confederate morale. Moreover, it established Ulysses S. Grant as a prominent military leader whose aggressive tactics would later define Union strategy throughout the war.
Discover More Historic Events from February 15th
Boat Sinks in Congo River Near Longola Ekoti
A boat capsized on the Congo River near Longola Ekoti, leading to the drowning of around sixty individuals, with hundreds still unaccounted for. The boat was reportedly overloaded, carrying passengers beyond its capacity. Local authorities responded quickly, searching the vast river for survivors and bodies. This tragic incident raised concerns about safety regulations on such vessels; popular means of transportation in the region.
Continue ReadingMeteor Explosion Injures 1,500 in Russia
A meteor exploded over the Chelyabinsk region of Russia, injuring approximately 1,500 people as its shock wave shattered windows and damaged buildings. The event occurred unexpectedly, just hours before the close approach of the unrelated asteroid 2012 DA14. The explosion created a bright flash in the sky, causing panic among residents and leading to widespread confusion about its cause. Many people reported physical injuries, primarily from broken glass, as they rushed outside to witness the phenomenon.
Continue ReadingFire Claims Lives in Honduran Prison
In a tragic incident at the Comayagua prison in Honduras, a devastating fire broke out, leading to the deaths of at least 360 inmates. The blaze reportedly started late at night, and many were trapped inside their cells as emergency services struggled to respond effectively. Eyewitnesses described chaos, with inmates shouting for help and attempts to escape hindered by locked doors. With the high number of fatalities, this incident raised significant concerns regarding prison conditions and safety protocols in Honduras.
Continue ReadingHalle Train Collision Claims 19 Lives
A collision between two trains occurred in Halle, Belgium, resulting in the deaths of 19 individuals and injuring 171 others. The accident involved a local and an intercity train, leading to significant chaos and emergency response efforts. Eyewitnesses described a scene of destruction, with train carriages derailed and passengers trapped. Investigations followed to determine the cause of the collision and prevent future incidents.
Continue ReadingMassive Global Protests Against Iraq War
Over 600 cities worldwide saw protests with between eight million to thirty million participants, marking a significant moment in the global anti-war movement. Demonstrators vocalized their opposition to the impending war in Iraq, citing concerns over the justification for military action based on fears of weapons of mass destruction. The large turnout reflected widespread dissent and mobilization across diverse communities, driven by an array of organizations, from grassroots movements to established peace groups, all uniting for a common cause. Participants included a broad spectrum of society, signifying a collective call for peace.
Continue ReadingHuman Genome Project Completes First Draft
The first draft of the complete human genome was published in the journal Nature, marking a significant milestone in genetic research. This draft, assembled by an international consortium of scientists, mapped the locations of approximately 30,000 to 35,000 genes and provided vital insights into their functions. The project was a monumental collaborative effort involving institutions from multiple countries, aiming to unlock the complexities of human genetics and improve our understanding of genetic diseases.
Continue Reading