Definition
The definition of the Battle of Fort Henry is a battle that was fought between the United States of America and the Confederate States of America on February 6, 1862, during the American Civil War, in western Tennessee.
Quick Facts
- Date Started: The Battle of Fort Henry started on Thursday, February 6, 1862.
- Date Ended: The fighting ended on February 6, 1862.
- Location: The battle took place in Stewart and Henry counties, in western Tennessee.
- Who Won: The United States of America won the Battle of Fort Henry.
- Civil War Campaign: The Battle of Fort Henry was part of the Federal Penetration Up the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers.
This illustration depicts Union gunboats boarding Fort Henry during the battle. Image Source: Library of Congress.
Interesting Facts
- The capture of Fort Henry was the first significant Union victory in the American Civil War.
- It also opened the Tennessee Rivers as an avenue of invasion to the heartland of the South.
Commanders and Forces Involved
Principal Union Commanders
- Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant
- Flag Officer Andrew Hull Foote
Principal Confederate Commanders
- Brigadier General Lloyd Tilghman
Union Forces Engaged
- Army of the Tennessee
- Western Flotilla
Confederate Forces Engaged
- Army of Central Kentucky
- Fort Henry Garrison
Casualties and Statistics
Number of Union Soldiers Engaged
- Roughly 15,000
Number of Confederate Soldiers Engaged
- Roughly 3,000
Estimated Union Casualties
- 40 (killed, wounded, and missing/captured)
Estimated Confederate Casualties
- 79 casualties (killed, wounded, and missing/captured)
Results of the Battle of Fort Henry
- The outcome of the Battle of Fort Henry was a Union victory.
Timeline of the Battle of Fort Henry
This list shows the main battles and events that took place before and after the Battle of Fort Henry, and how it fits into the chronological order of the Federal Penetration Up the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers.
- February 6, 1862 — Battle of Fort Henry
- February 12–16, 1862 — Battle of Fort Donelson
- April 6–7, 1862 — Battle of Shiloh
- April 29–May 30, 1862 — Siege of Corinth
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about the Battle of Fort Henry, take a look at the following resources: