In July 1862, Congress passed legislation giving the President of the United States the authority to purchase land for the establishment of cemeteries "for soldiers who shall die in the service of their country." The legislation effectively began the National Cemetery system.
In 1867, Fort Donelson Cemetery was established as the final resting for Union soldiers and sailors initially buried in the Fort Donelson area.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Plane - The area is served by airports in Nashville and Jackson, TN or Paducah, KY. Car rental services are available.
Car - The cemetery is located in Dover, Tennessee, northwest of Nashville. From Nashville, take I-24W to Clarksville (Exit 4). Take a left on Wilma Rudolph Blvd. Stay on this highway until you reach 101st Airborne Division Pkwy. Take a right at this intersection. This highway will change into Hwy. 374. From Hwy 374, turn right on Hwy. 79 South. Follow signs to Dover (approximately 30 miles). The Cemetery direction sign is one-half mile west of the town.
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