The Confederate try breakout out of the Federal grip around Fort Donelson before deciding on whether or not to surrender.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
The Confederate try breakout out of the Federal grip around Fort Donelson before deciding on whether or not to surrender.
Federal army and navy forces attack Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River, but they find the defenses much stronger than Fort Henry.
Ulysses S. Grant plans to follow up the victory at Fort Henry by capturing a much stronger Confederate fort in Tennessee.
Ulysses S. Grant’s Federal army narrowly escapes destruction in southwestern Missouri but gains important battle experience.
Ulysses S. Grant receives orders to stop Confederates at Columbus, Ky. from reinforcing the Missouri State Guards.