What significant Civil War battle took place at Fort Donelson in Kentucky?

The battle at Fort Donelson, which occurred in February 1862, was a pivotal engagement during the Civil War that resulted in a major Union victory. This victory was significant for several reasons. It marked one of the first substantial Union successes in the Western Theater of the war, enabling Union forces to gain control of key waterways, notably the Cumberland River. The fall of Fort Donelson, along with Fort Henry, opened up the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers for Union operations and set the stage for further advances into the Confederate heartland.

The Union's success at this battle also elevated the reputation of General Ulysses S. Grant, who played a crucial role in the siege and subsequent capture of the fort. This victory not only bolstered Union morale but also significantly impacted Confederate strategy and resources in the region. The loss at Fort Donelson forced Confederate troops to retreat, contributing to a shift in momentum towards the Union cause in the Civil War.