The Confederates hoped that Fort Henry would protect the Tennessee River, a major water transportation route of the western theater.  But Union strategists decided to send both land and river forces to attack the fort and secure control of this important river.

The earthen fortress had been poorly located and the river, swollen by unusually heavy rains, began to inundate the site by February, 1862, complicating the Confederate's defensive efforts.  On February 4-5, Federal troops under Brig. Gen. U.S. Grant, avoiding the local muddy roads, arrived by river transport and established themselves on both sides of the river.  However, the swollen river proved a boon to the Federal river forces under Flag-Officer A. H. Foote, whose four ironclads (Essex, Cincinnati, Carondelet, and St. Louis), supported by three woodclads (Lexington, Taylor, and Conestoga), approached Fort Henry on February 6.

The Federal ironclads began bombarding the fort, receiving in exchange accurate Confederate fire that caused some minor damage.  But the Federal forces prevailed, as they could focus much more firepower on the fort than the Confederates could muster from within the fortress walls.  In addition, the Confederates were hampered by an exploding rifled gun as well as clogged ventholes and even direct hits on other guns.  Realizing his precarious position, Confederate commander Brig. Gen. Lloyd Tilghman sent the bulk of his forces overland to safety at nearby Fort Donelson, then surrendered Fort Henry to the Federal forces.

  Military Actions

Last update:  October 3, 2001