Forts Henry and Donelson: The Key to the Confederate Heartland

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!
Review: The Twin Rivers Campaign, as the Union campaign against Fort Henry, Fort Heiman, and Fort Donelson is also known, possibly was the most important weeks of the Civil War. In the West, as well as East, the Confederates held that vital upperhand in warfare--the momentum. But, after the Twin River forts were captured by a Federal army-navy force and Nashville fell, the momentum lay with the Union. The fall of these forts signaled the beginning of the Confederate collapse in the West, which ultimately decided the war.

Benjamin Franklin Cooling, author of several Civil War studies, conveys the actions of both Federal and Confederate authorities before and during the campaign, as well as give the frontline soldiers their say in the matter. The campaign is described in good detail, and with great writing. With this campaign being so little written about, it is a great joy to read Mr. Cooling's book. Since he wrote this study, one other volume on this campaign has been published (which I haven't read yet. Hopefully, the Twin Rivers Campaign will gain the attention it deserves, as it is a very interesting topic to study and learn about.

The maps in this book, while not the best, are well above average. They cover the fighting at the fort in very good detail, and are plentiful enough considering that, compared to other battles, relatively little fighting actually took place at Fort Donelson. The illustrations are helpful as well. I would say get this book, enjoy it, and then go visit Fort Donelson National Battlefield. It is a very nice battlefield.