The Battle of Fort Henry was a pivotal engagement during the early stages of the American Civil War. It took place on the Tennessee River and marked the first significant victory for Union forces, which were led by Major General Ulysses S. Grant and Flag Officer Andrew H. Foote. The fort, built by the Confederates, was strategically important because it guarded the Tennessee River, a key supply route for both sides. The Union aimed to capture the fort as part of a broader strategy to control the region and to split the Confederate lines. On February 6, Grant's troops approached Fort Henry while Foote's naval fleet bombarded the fortifications from the water.The assault combined land and naval forces, which was a relatively innovative tactic at the time. Grant’s troops advanced towards the fort under heavy fire while Foote's gunboats began their bombardment. The Confederate defenders, realizing the untenable position they faced, eventually surrendered after a short but fierce confrontation. The fall of Fort Henry provided the Union with a significant advantage, unlocking the Tennessee River for Union supply lines and troop movements, and it opened the door for subsequent successes in the region, including the capture of Fort Donelson shortly thereafter. The victory significantly boosted Union morale at a time when the war's outcome was uncertain.