-
February 11th
Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston appoints Brig. General John B. Floyd as commander of Fort Donelson and the surrounding region. -
Period: to
The Battle of Donelson
-
February 13th
Ulysses S. Grant's Union soldiers arrive at Fort Donelson and begin to situate themselves.
Several inches of snowfall and a cold winter shake both sides of the war.
Grant's army blocks the exit, forcing confederate troops to fight their way to freedom -
February 14th
Andrew H. Foote advances upriver to bombard Fort Donelson. This ends up in a Union defeat/Confederate victory.
Foote's ironclads were heavily damaged as well as he himself.
Grant's soldiers could hear the Confederate cheers as the union gunboats retreated the area. -
February 15th
Confederate leaders devised a bold plan the night before, to move the Union soldiers to the right to open a path of escape. They carried out the plan and the rebel forces were able to continue to drive their way Southeast. *Confederate Brig. General Gideon Pillow ordered the attacking force "back into their earthworks" therefore abandoning the winnings they had fought hard for earlier that morning. This marked the oddest and most improbable act done of any Civil War battlefield. -
February 16th
Confederate leaders discuss their options and determine that surrendering was the only visible option for them.
Federal soldiers were surprised to see white flags flying above the Confederate earthworks.
Grant's response was, "No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works."