Fort Donelson National Cemetery is a historic burial ground located in Dover, Tennessee, within the boundaries of the larger Fort Donelson National Battlefield site. The cemetery serves as the final resting place for Union soldiers who fought in the Battle of Fort Donelson during the American Civil War.
Situated on a bluff overlooking the Cumberland River, Fort Donelson National Cemetery holds great historical significance. The Battle of Fort Donelson, which took place from February 11 to 16, 1862, was a pivotal moment in the war, marking the first major victory for the Union forces under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant. The cemetery was established in 1867 to honor the fallen soldiers who lost their lives defending the fort.
Covering an area of approximately 15 acres, the cemetery contains more than 670 graves. These include not only soldiers who fought in the Battle of Fort Donelson but also those who died during later conflicts, such as the Spanish-American War and World War I. The headstones in the cemetery are predominantly white marble, providing a solemn and peaceful atmosphere.
Aside from its historical significance, Fort Donelson National Cemetery offers visitors an opportunity for reflection and remembrance. Walking among the rows of grave markers, visitors can pay their respects to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country. Additionally, the cemetery features a memorial monument, dedicated in 1897, honoring the Union soldiers who fought at Fort Donelson.
For those interested in further exploration, the Fort Donelson National Battlefield is adjacent to the cemetery. This expansive historical site preserves the remains of the Confederate fort and features walking trails, interpretive displays, and reconstructed earthworks. Visitors can immerse themselves in the history of the battle by exploring the numerous exhibits and participating in guided tours. The park also offers vistas of the Cumberland River and provides opportunities for picnicking and wildlife observation.
Overall, Fort Donelson National Cemetery stands as a poignant memorial to the soldiers who bravely fought and perished during the Battle of Fort Donelson and subsequent conflicts. Its proximity to the larger Fort Donelson National Battlefield offers an enriching experience that allows visitors to delve deeper into the area's rich historical significance.
Fort Donelson National Cemetery is located in Stewart County, Tennessee. Situated in the northwestern part of the state and close to the Kentucky border, the cemetery occupies a peaceful and serene location in the heart of the rural countryside. Nestled between the picturesque hills and rolling valleys, this final resting place offers a tranquil and scenic setting for honoring the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the region, Fort Donelson National Cemetery commemorates the sacrifice and dedication of our nation's heroes amidst a captivating backdrop of Tennessee's rich geographical diversity.
174 National Cemetery DrivePO Box 434Dover, TN 37058Driving DirectionsPhone: 931-232-5706Web: Link
The best time to visit Fort Donelson National Cemetery would be in either January or June. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with average maximum temperatures of 47°F and 86°F respectively. Additionally, they have relatively low precipitation levels, with average monthly rainfall of 4.5 inches and 3.5 inches respectively. These months also tend to have lower visitor counts compared to other times of the year, ensuring a more peaceful and less crowded experience.
Some of the activities you can do in Fort Donelson National Cemetery are: Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Hiking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Learn about these topics at Fort Donelson National Cemetery: Military Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Forts Battlefields Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War National Cemetery
The Visitor Center is at the main park entrance, just off Highway 79. Museum exhibits, a gift shop, handicapped accessible restroom, and information are available for visitors. The park audiovisual films are available at our website under the link: https://www.nps.gov/fodo/planyourvisit/things2do.htm We encourage you to begin your visit at this location. GPS: 120 Fort Donelson Park Road, Dover, TN 37058
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Fort Donelson Visitor Center.
This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).
Located in Oak Grove, Holiday Inn Express Fort Campbell-Oak Grove, an IHG Hotel is in a rural location, a 2-minute drive from War Memorial Park and 5 minutes from Fort Campbell. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Oak Grove? This hotel has facilities measuring 1488 square feet (134 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 12759 Fort Campbell Blvd, Oak Grove, Kentucky 42262
Web: Link
Located in Oak Grove, Days Inn by Wyndham Oak Grove/Ft. Campbell is a 2-minute drive from War Memorial Park and 6 minutes from Fort Campbell. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 212 Auburn Street, Oak Grove, Kentucky 42262
Web: Link
Located in Oak Grove, Sleep Inn & Suites Fort Campbell is a 3-minute drive from War Memorial Park and 6 minutes from Fort Campbell. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Oak Grove? This hotel has 200 square feet (19 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 220 Auburn St, Oak Grove, Kentucky 42262
Web: Link
A stay at Hampton Inn Oak Grove Fort Campbell places you in the heart of Oak Grove, a 2-minute drive from War Memorial Park and 6 minutes from Fort Campbell. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 164 Naomi Ln, Oak Grove, Kentucky 42262
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Located in Oak Grove, Candlewood Suites Oak Grove - Fort Campbell, an IHG Hotel is a 2-minute drive from War Memorial Park and 5 minutes from Fort Campbell. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and a 24-hour front desk. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge during limited hours, and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 12885 Fort Campbell Blvd., Oak Grove, Kentucky 42262
Web: Link
With a stay at Americas Paradise Resort in Murray, you'll be on the beach, just a 1-minute walk from Kentucky Lake and 8 minutes by foot from Tennessee River. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1024 Paradise Dr, Murray, Kentucky 42071
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Located in Hardin, Early American Motel is within a 10-minute drive of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and Elk & Bison Prairie. Featured amenities include express check-in, a 24-hour front desk, and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 16749 US Highway 68 East, Hardin, Kentucky 42048
Web: Link
Located in Hardin, Aurora's Kentucky Lake Cottages is a 1-minute drive from Kentucky Lake and 6 minutes from Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 16918 US Highway 68 East, Aurora, Hardin, Kentucky 42048
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With a stay at Kenlake State Resort Park in Hardin, you'll be steps from Kenlake State Park and a 3-minute drive from Kentucky Lake. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, an elevator, and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 542 Kenlake Road, Hardin, Kentucky 42048
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Located in Murray, Lynnhurst Family Resort is on a lake, within a 5-minute drive of Kentucky Lake and Tennessee River. Featured amenities include express check-out, dry cleaning/laundry services, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
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| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-03-08 | Spring Hours Visitor Access to Fort Donelson NB Park Lands: Pedestrian Access is from sunrise to sunset. Automobile Access to Fort Donelson NB Park Roads 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily. |
| 2024-11-30 | Commemorative Wreaths Across America Program at Fort Donelson On Saturday, December 14th, members of the Stewart County community, as well as attendees from well outside of the local area, will gather at Fort Donelson National Cemetery to pay honor as part of Wreaths Across America Day. More |
| 2024-06-12 | Statement from National Park Service Center Branch Chief and Program Manager Christopher Lewis Regarding Termination of the Fort Donelson Visitor Center Contract On June 6, the National Park Service (NPS) provided notice to AACON General Contractors, LLC that AACON's right to proceed further under the Fort Donelson National Battlefield Visitor Center rehabilitation contract was being terminated for default. More |
| 2024-05-23 | Memorial Day Service at Fort Donelson National Cemetery On Monday, May 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM, Fort Donelson National Cemetery will be the site of its annual memorial service. More |
| 2024-01-11 | Fort Donelson NB Offering Programs for the 162nd Anniversary Battles of Forts Henry and Donelson Dover, TN --Fort Donelson National Battlefield is offering programs and events between February 3 and February 18 in observance of the 162nd anniversary of the February 1862 battles for Forts Henry and Donelson. Events begin on February 3rd at 2:00 PM at the national park’s Fort Heiman Unit, 654 Fort Heiman Road, located near New Concord, Kentucky. Presenter Dr. William Mulligan will lead a hike to the Confederate works overlooking Fort Henry and discuss the February 6 battle and the Union taking of both Forts Henry and Heiman. More |
| 2023-12-06 | Commemorative Wreaths Across America Program at Fort Donelson National Cemetery, Saturday, December 16, 2023 On Saturday, December 16. members of the Stewart County community, as well as attendees from well outside of the local area, will gather at Fort Donelson National Cemetery to pay honor as part of Wreaths Across America Day – the purpose of the national program being to “Remember the Fallen; Honor those who Serve; and to Teach our children of the value of Freedom.” The theme for the 2023 endeavor is, “Serve and Succeed.” More |