Stewart County, Tennessee

13,000 Prisoners 6-pounder Gun Advance on Fort Donelson Advance On Fort Donelson Baldwin's Brigade Battle of Dover Battle of Fort Henry Bear Spring Furnace Brandon-Sykes Showboat House Brown's Brigade Buckner's Defense Buckner's Division C.S.A. Headquarters Cemetery Lodge Colonel Thomas J. Davidson's Brigade Columbiad vs. Carondelet Confederate Breakout Confederate Monument Confederate Trenches Confederate Troops and Casualties at Fort Donelson Control the Rivers and Railroads Dover Hotel Dover Under Fire Exchanging Iron Valentines Federal Troops and Casualties at Fort Donelson Find A Log Quick! Foote's Gunboat Flotilla Forrest's Attack Forrest's Cavalry Forrest's Cavalry Forrest's Escape Fort Donelson Fort Donelson Fort Donelson Confederate Monument Fort Henry Fort Henry Freedmen's Camp French's Battery Graves' Battery Graves' Battery C.S.A. Great Western Furnace Greene's Battery Gun Positions Hallowed Ground Heiman's Brigade History of the Stewart County Courthouse Holding The Line Holding the Outer Lines Jackson's Virginia Battery Killed By a Loose Bolt Lauman's Brigade Life at Fort Donelson Maney's Battery McCausland's Brigade Morrison's Attack Morrison's Brigade Original Position Planning to Escape Porter's Battery Powder Magazine Quarters for the Troops Reconstructed Powder Magazine Rice House See Me Take a Chimney! Seizing the Initiative Site of Fort Henry Stankiewicz's Battery Surrender House Texas The Battle of Dover/Confederate Mass Grave The River Batteries The Stewart County Iron Industry The Upper Water Battery To All Who Served U.S. Gunboat Carondelet U.S. Gunboat Louisville U.S. Gunboat Pittsburgh U.S. Gunboat St. Louis U.S.A. Headquarters of Brigadier General U.S. Grant U.S.A. Naval Forces, Western Division Union Camp Wharton's Brigade With Admirable Precision Withdrawal From Donelson
Stewart County, Tennessee, located in the heart of the Cumberland River basin, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Shawnee, who utilized the abundant natural resources for hunting and fishing. European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century, with the county being officially established in 1803.

During the early years, Stewart County primarily relied on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of tobacco and cotton. The fertile soil and favorable climate allowed for successful farming, attracting more settlers to the area. The county's proximity to the Cumberland River also played a significant role in its growth, enabling transportation and trade opportunities.

Stewart County played an important role during the American Civil War. Located along the Cumberland River, it was strategically significant for both the Union and Confederate forces. The county witnessed multiple skirmishes and was occupied by both sides at various points during the war. The most notable engagement was the Battle of Dover in February 1862, where Union forces under Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant successfully captured Confederate Fort Donelson.

In the early 20th century, the construction of the Kentucky Dam and the formation of Lake Barkley brought substantial economic development to the area. The hydroelectric power generated by the dam stimulated industrial growth, and the lake itself became a popular recreational destination. Today, Stewart County is known for its beautiful natural scenery, historical sites, and outdoor recreational opportunities, attracting visitors from across the country.
Brief timeline of the history of Stewart County, Tennessee:

  • 1803 - Stewart County, TN, is established
  • 1823 - The county seat is established in Dover
  • 1833 - A post office is opened in Dover
  • 1838 - The county courthouse is built in Dover
  • 1862 - During the Civil War, the Battle of Fort Donelson takes place in Dover
  • 1878 - The county's first railroad line is built
  • 1895 - The county's first electric power company is established in Dover
  • 1918 - A tornado destroys several buildings in Dover
  • 1926 - The Cumberland City Steam Plant begins operation
  • 1949 - The county's first public library is established in Dover
  • 1966 - The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is established
  • 1986 - The Fort Donelson National Battlefield is established as a national park

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Stewart County, Tennessee.