The Battle of Fort Donelson was fought from February 11 to February 16, 1862. The capture of the fort by Union forces opened the Cumberland River as an avenue for the invasion of the South. The success elevated Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant to the rank of major general, and earned him the nickname "Unconditional Surrender" Grant in the process. The battle followed the capture of Fort Henry on February 6. Grant moved his army 12 miles to Fort Donelson on February 12 and conducted several small probing attacks. On February 14, U.S. Navy gunboats under Flag Officer Andrew H. Foote attempted to reduce the fort with naval gunfire, but were forced to withdraw after sustaining heavy damage from Donelson's water batteries. On February 15 the Confederates, commanded by Brig. Gen. John B. Floyd, launched a surprise attack against Grant's army, attempting to open an avenue of escape. Grant, rallied his men with a counterattack and forced Floyd back to the fort. On the following morning, the Confederates turned over their command to Brig. Gen. Simon Bolivar Buckner, who agreed to the terms of surrender offered by Grant.
It’s Thursday, February 16
The Murray High School Baseball Team hosts a barbecue lunch on Saturday at 1PM in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church. Kirk Rueter of the San Francisco Giants will be the guest speaker. The event also features an auction including autographed baseballs and unique items from Murray businesses. Purchase $10 tickets by calling 753-5202.
The annual Bull Blowout is tomorrow and Saturday at 8PM at the Cherry Expo Center at Murray State University. Events include bull riding and barrel racing, as well as a children’s calf scramble and mutton busting. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for MSU students, and $5 for children under 12.
The Run4Another 5K run/walk will be held on Saturday, March 3, in Murray. All participants registered by tomorrow are guaranteed a free tech shirt and goodie bags. Find online registration, an official route map, and business sponsorship forms at run4another.com.
Find more information about these and other community events at wkms.org, where you can also get in on a drawing for a Big Green Egg.
