On the Battlefield

The rain finally caught up with me in Waverly. It started about midnight and was still coming down hard this morning. I debated with myself about trying to ride in it and finally decided to go for it around 11:00AM (check out time at the motel where I was staying).

I put all the rain gear on the bike and me and headed out just as the rain really started to pick up. There was no electrical activity in the sky, so I just got a good soaking for the first 30 miles of my ride. About 20 miles from Dover, the dark clouds turned fluffy white and the sun came out, so I was able to mostly dry out by the time I reached the southern end to Land Between the Lakes.

I checked into the Dover Inn and within an hour the rain started again and hasn’t let up yet. I have been so lucky with the weather! I visited Fort Donelson National Battlefield, scene of the first Civil War battle won by the Union Army. It was a crucial Union victory that opened the door to an offensive into the heart of the Confederacy.

These are some of the man-made earthen walls and trenches made by the Confederate soldiers in their failed attempt to defend the fort.

This victory by General Ulysses S. Grant and his troops, along with the taking of Fort Henry in Tennessee and Fort Heiman in Kentucky, dramatically bettered the situation for thousands of enslaved persons in both Tennessee and Kentucky. They now had friendly havens within slave territory, with Union soldiers now occupying these forts and controlling the rivers they were located on throughout the rest of the war.

The soldiers helped freedom seekers escape to free states. Even soldier’s wives and other local women came to their aid. The signing of the Second Confiscation Act of July 1862 permitted the emancipation of secessionists’ slaves that entered Union lines. By 1863, Fort Donelson saw the creation of a freedmen’s camp, with former slaves building their own homes. Later that same year, Fort Donelson became a recruiting station for African-Americans.I’m hoping that the rain passes through tonight.

Even with the foul weather today, five dogs rose to the occasion and engaged in bonafide chases (for those of you keeping count). The most exciting chase was with a St. Bernard mix – he was HUGE and fast – and he was determined. As I came around a curve with him in pursuit, I noticed a pair of mutts on the side of a hill just sitting and watching. I figure they must be accustomed to his favorite sport – sort of a cheering section. Oh well, I’m just doing my part, keeping the canines entertained. I’ll be in Kentucky before lunch tomorrow. Catch up with you later.

Large versions of all my blog pics can be found at my photo gallery.

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