After the fall of Forts Henry and Donelson, Federal ships under Flag Officer A. H. Foote arrived in Clarksville on February 19, 1862, and took possession of the fort, beginning near uninterrupted Federal occupation of the city of Clarksville.
Following Federal victories at Forts Henry and Donelson, the Federal ships Conestoga and Cairo commanded by Flag Officer A. H. Foote travelled unmolested up the Cumberland River, arriving in the area of Clarksville on February 19, 1862. On a bluff overlooking the confluence of the Red and Cumberland Rivers stood the abandoned Confederate Fort Defiance, flying a white flag. Foote took possession of the fort and its three guns and hoisted the American flag, beginning near uninterrupted Federal occupation of the city of Clarksville for the duration of the war. With the fall of Forts Henry and Donelson and the Confederate abandonment of Clarksville, Federal forces had effectively opened the way to Nashville. The center interprets this early part of the war in Middle Tennessee and life under Federal occupation.
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Key Facts
- Flag Officer A. H. Foote took control of the fort after the falls of Forts Donelson and Henry, marking the start of 3 years of Federal occupation of Clarksville
- Visitors can see original earthworks of the fort itself, use walking trails. Admission is fre
