Julie A. Oaks
TDOT, Public Information Officer
 Office: 615.741.2331
Mobile: 615.533.7105
Fax: 615.741.9093

Bredesen Announces Enhancement Grant for Preservation of Ft. Donelson Battlefield

Nashville, Tenn. - Governor Phil Bredesen joined state and local leaders today to announce a transportation enhancement grant in the amount of $1,000,000 for the preservation of the Ft. Donelson Battlefield in Stewart County.

The grant funds will be used to preserve significant portions of the Ft. Donelson battlefield site, and to install user-friendly historical interpretation signs and trails on these newly preserved lands.

“The Battle of Ft. Donelson was one of the most important battles of the Civil War,” said Governor Bredesen. “I’m pleased the state can lend its support to the preservation of land with such historical significance.”

“This is an excellent use of grant funds and the end result will provide a high quality educational experience for its visitors,” said Senator Roy Herron. “I’m thrilled to have been able to assist with this grant process.”

Representative Willie Borchert added, “This grant will eliminate the danger that this historic piece of land will be overtaken by development and will ensure that more of the site is accessible to the public.”

The grant was awarded to the Tennessee Wars Commission, a division of the Tennessee Historical Commission, who will oversee the project.

“This grant will allow us to acquire and interpret some of the most endangered Civil War battlefield property in Tennessee," said Fred Prouty, Director of Programs for the Tennessee Wars Commission.  "We're thrilled to be able to partner as co-applicants with the Civil Wars Preservation Trust and utilize this grant to protect these significant sites for future generations.”

The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

“TDOT has funded more than $189 million in transportation related projects through our Enhancement Grant Program,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely.  “This program provides funds to cities, counties and state organizations to fund activities such as the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping, streetscaping and other non-traditional transportation projects.” 

The federal grant program was established by Congress in the early 1990’s to fund activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system.

The Ft. Donelson Preservation project also includes the installation of historical interpretation trails and signage to explain facets of the battle.