Tag: Tennessee Civil War history

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New Special Issue Tells the Fort Donelson Story Through Photos and Stories of Those Who Were There

A new special issue from Military Images and John Walsh brings the story of Fort Donelson to life through powerful portraits and firsthand accounts.

Originally published as the cover story in our Winter 2025 issue, this 20-page presentation by John Walsh—founder of Fort Donelson Relics and a lifelong student of the Western Theater—offers a deeply informed and personal look at one of the Civil War’s pivotal early victories.

As Walsh writes, the Union triumph in February 1862 “broke the back of the secession serpent.” The fall of the fort triggered the surrender of 14,600 Confederates, opened vital rivers, and led to the loss of Nashville—while elevating a little-known general, Ulysses S. Grant, to national prominence with his demand for unconditional surrender.

From the twin blows at Fort Henry and Donelson—supported by the ironclads of Andrew H. Foote—to the engagement of more than 40,000 soldiers, this issue captures the human dimension of the campaign through the faces and stories of those who were there.

Walsh, who lives near Fort Donelson National Battlefield, has spent decades preserving relics and advancing understanding of the soldiers who fought on this ground. His work reflects a commitment to responsible collecting, historical research, and battlefield preservation.

Founded in 1979, Military Images is dedicated to showcasing, interpreting, and preserving Civil War portrait photography—and the stories behind the faces.

Get your copy for $10 plus shipping at shopmilitaryimages.com.

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Cover Image To Be Used in Civil War Trails Guide

The use of Civil War photographic portraits to aid in the interpretation of battlefields and other historic sites is part of the larger mission of Military Images magazine. Recently, Terry Heder, Historian/Editor of Civil War Trails. reached out to request permission to feature the image that graced the cover of our Winter 2020 issue.

It pictures two brothers in uniform, one Union and the other Confederate. Edward A. Fowlkes, a Mexican War veteran, served in the Union 12th Tennessee Cavalry. He is pictured here, seated on the left, as a first lieutenant, a rank he earned in May 1865. Next to him sits brother Gabriel, or Gabe, who served in the Confederate 11th Tennessee Infantry. You can read their story here.

Heder noted in his request, “We’re creating an updated map guide for Civil War Trails interpretive sites in Tennessee, and the guide will include narrative sections about different aspects of the war. We’d like to use the image of the Fowlkes brothers in the introductory section, “Torn in Two,” that discusses how the war divided the people of the state.”

Civil War Trails began working with communities in 1994 “to share their stories and connect visitors with small towns and big stories across a network that now spans six states. Travelers look to Trails to put them in the footsteps of the generals, soldiers, citizens, and the enslaved who found themselves in the midst of this Civil War.”

The owner of the Fowlkes brothers image, Gary Waddey, graciously gave permission to Civil War Trails.

Military Images is excited to play a role in connecting organizations and collectors to humanize history.