Fort Henry

Fort Henry in Land Between The Lakes

Fort Henry was a strategic site for the Confederacy as they were attempting to defend the Tennessee River. The fort was located across the river from Fort Heiman, and just a few miles west of Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River.

The battle was fought on February 6, 1862, with the Union forces prevailing. Several men on both sides were killed or injured. One Union Ironclad on the river was damaged enough to make it unusable for the remainder of the campaign.

In 1944, the Tennessee River was flooded to create Kentucky Lake. Most of Fort Henry is now under water. However, the old roads that were used by troops are now hiking trails (the Fort Henry Hiking Trail System) and a few earthworks are still visible.