What happened in Fort Henry?
The Battle of Fort Henry on February 6, 1862, was the first significant Union victory of the American Civil War (1861-65). After a fierce naval bombardment, Confederate Brigadier General Lloyd Tilghman secretly evacuated the bulk of his troops to nearby Fort Donelson before surrendering to Union forces.
Who won the battle of Fort Henry in the Civil War?
The Union victory
The Union victory was largely the result of a fierce gunboat bombardment, as Grant’s men had arrived too late to see action. The victory cost the North 11 killed and 31 wounded; Southern losses totaled 5 killed, 11 wounded, and 78 prisoners of war.
What important events happened during the Battle of Fort Henry?
Fort Henry Summary: The Battle of Fort Henry was the first significant Union victory of the American Civil War. Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant’s success here, along with his victory at Fort Donelson, paved the way for the Union to capture Nashville, Tennessee near the end of February.
How did the union win Fort Henry?
Gen. Lloyd Tilghman, to surrender to Foote before the Union Army arrived. The surrender of Fort Henry opened the Tennessee River to Union traffic south of the Alabama border….Battle of Fort Henry.
| Date | February 6, 1862 |
|---|---|
| Location | Stewart County and Henry County, Tennessee, and Calloway County, Kentucky |
| Result | Union victory |
What was the geographic significance of the forts Henry and Donelson?
Confederate strength in Kentucky and western Tennessee was centered at two fortified positions, one on the Tennessee River (Fort Henry) and the other 20 miles away on the Cumberland River (Fort Donelson). These positions were important for regulating access to the Mississippi River from the east.
What was forts Henry and Donelson?
Located in central Tennessee, Forts Henry and Donelson guarded the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers with interconnecting roads and telegraph lines between the two Confederate fortifications. In the first week of February, 1862, General Ulysses Grant led a massive assault composed of more than 15,000 troops and gunships.
Why was the Battle of Fort Henry important?
The Battle of Fort Henry took place February 6, 1862, during the American Civil War(1861-1865) and was one of the first actions of Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant’s campaign in Tennessee. With the start of the Civil War, Kentucky declared neutrality and stated it would align against the first side to violate its territory.
Who was in command of Fort Henry during the Civil War?
Named for Tennessee Senator Gustavus Adolphus Henry Sr., Johnston had desired to give command of the forts to Brigadier General Alexander P. Stewart but was overruled by Confederate President Jefferson Davis who instead selected Maryland native Brigadier General Lloyd Tilghman in December.
When did the Union attack on Fort Henry?
Late in the afternoon on February 5, three Union gunboats approached Fort Henry and fired, eliciting a six-shot Confederate response, after which the Union gunboats withdrew. Grant ordered the advance, a simultaneous land and water attack, to begin at 11 a.m. on February 6, in order to strike quickly before the Confederates could be reinforced.
Why was the fort at Fort Henry undermanned?
Unfortunately, the fort had no ammunition for eight of those guns, the 42-pounders, so only nine were capable of defending against a river approach. In addition, the fort was undermanned, with less than 3,000 troops in two brigades, many of them fresh recruits.