February 11, 2012
On this date 150 years ago, action against Fort Donelson commenced as General Grant's troops began to march and General McClernand's Union forces moved out from their position at Fort Henry. Federal gunboats travelled up the Cumberland River. This Union activity provoked the evacuation by Confederates at Bowling Green, Kentucky, and rendered the previously fortified Kentucky line defenceless; only Columbus, Kentucky, remained relatively secure.