Here's some area Civil War events coming up that I hope you will support by attending. We are very fortunate to have such wonderful historic resources in our own bakyard!
Greg Biggs
President,
Clarksville CWRT
Friday, Feb. 8, 7:00pm -- Stewart County Public Library.
"Suffering Defeat", a presentation by Dr. Betty Jo Wallace concerning the trials experienced by the people on the homefront following the battle of Ft. Donelson. This free program is sponsored by the Stewart County Arts and Heritage Council and the Public Library.
Monday, Feb. 11, 7:00pm -- The Friends of the Fort Donelson Campaign will be sponsoring a guest speaker series at the Stewart County High School Annex auditorium. (old elementary school). John Walsh of Fort Donelson Relics will be presenting an interesting program on Civil War Era Photography and will include a large display of period photographic images. This event is open to the public and presented free of charge.
Directions to the Stewart County Library and High School Annex from Clarksville: Take Hwy 79 into Dover (crossing the Cumberland River there). At the light in downtown, turn left on Highway 49/Spring Street. Go about 3/4 of a mile and the library will be on the right at the corner of Hwy 49 and Natcor Drive. Turn right on Natcor and then left into the library lot. The Annex is across the lot on the right.
Friday, Feb. 15 -- Union General Ulysses Grant and Confederate General Simon Buckner will visit students at Stewart County Middle School and present a living history program and answer any questions they might have. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Fort Donelson Campaign.
Friday, Feb. 15, 6:30pm -- Civil War Social -- W.D. Sykes Historical Museum. This free event is hosted by the Stewart County Historical Society. Everyone is invited to come out and learn the Civil War period dances in preparation for the main Ball on Saturday night. Refreshments will be served. Dance lessons will take place from 6:30pm to 8:00pm, followed by music from the "Dixie Volunteers" other-wise known as the Dan Wallace Band. There is no dress code and everyone is invited.
Saturday, Feb. 16, 10:00am and 2:00pm -- Fort Donelson National Battlefield Visitor Center. This program sponsored by the National Park Service features Mr. Jim Jean, as Brigadier General S.B. Buckner, and Mr. Ron Bair as Brigadier General U.S. Grant discussing the battle and re-creating the scene of their February, 1862 meeting aboard the steamboat U.S.S. New Uncle Sam.
Saturday, Feb. 16, 10:00am till 4:00pm -- Civil War Encampment -- Fort Donelson National Battlefield - Visit with members of the 50th TN Infantry Regiment (CSA) as they portray camp and soldier life during the 1862 Battle for Fort Donelson. This unit actually served at Fort Donelson during the battle. The unit will demonstrate military training, clothing and equipment. This program is also sponsored by the National Park Service. Park Rangers will direct visitors to the location of the camp.
Saturday, Feb. 16, 6:00pm -- Civil War Ball -- W.D. Sykes Historical Museum. Hosted by Brigadier General S.B. Buckner, CSA and sponsored by the Stewart County Historical Society and The Friends of the Fort Donelson Campaign. This 4th Annual 1860's Dinner and Ball has become one of the premier social events in Stewart County. Dinner will be catered by the Riverfront Plantation Inn, and period music will be provided by the 52nd Regimental String Band. Prior reservations are required as is 1860's formal dress, either military or civilian. Contact Steve Settle at 232-4539 for more information.
Sunday, Feb.17, 10:00am -- Battlefield Worship Service -- W.D. Sykes Historical Museum. Hosted by the Stewart County Historical Society. Rev. Donald Bailey will present an 1860's church service. Everyone is invited to come and see how ministers helped lead the soldiers in worship, even in the midst of war and turmoil.
Sunday, Feb.17, 1:30pm -- Fort Donelson Surrender -- This program is sponsored by the National Park Service, and assisted by Sons Of Confederate Veterans Camp 249 members. Witness a re-creation of the February 1862 surrender of Fort Donelson by Generals Grant and Buckner. This event will take place at the old Dover Hotel (tour stop #10), Fort Donelson National Battlefield.
Sunday, Feb.17, 3:00pm - 4:00pm-- 1863 Battle of Dover Tour. Begins at the old Dover Hotel (Surrender House) and concludes at the Dover City Cemetery (First Christian Church). Sponsored by the Friends of the Fort Donelson Campaign. Not to be confused with the well-known Battle of Ft. Donelson; on Feb.3, 1863, Confederate cavalry troops led by Generals Wheeler, Forrest and Wharton attempted to retake the Town of Dover. Come learn more about this local battle that took place right in the middle of downtown.