Why do some US Civil War historians believe that the capture of Fort Donelson displayed no features of tactical genius?

Answer 1

The capture of Confederate Fort Donelson in February of 1862 was of great help to the Union's military operations in Tennessee. It gave the Union control of important Cumberland River. Taking this fort, however, did not take any ingenuity of special military leadership skills. And like most Union victories, Confederate forces were outnumbered. In reviewing the US Grant victory at Fort Donelson, the circumstances involved made it clear that General Grant's victory, which gained him fame in Northern newspapers was greatly overplayed. As Grant's army was approaching Fort Donelson, his army of 15,000 troops were given reinforcements by General Henry Halleck, Grant's superior in charge of the West. Grant soon had 23,000 troops and outnumbered Confederate commander Floyd's forces by a 2 to 1 advantage. Additionally, Grant had use of the Union gunboats to counter the forts own artillery batteries.

Floyd made a terrible mistake which helped Grant attain a much needed Union victory. Floyd made the tactical error of of defending his position with the Cumberland River at his back. There were no bridges nearby that might have provided an escape route. Outnumbered and outflanked, the Confederate forces had little chance to stave off the offensives of the Union army.

Clearly this victory aided the Union's efforts to drive deep into Southern territory. It would have been for naught however, if once again at Shiloh, Grant was rescued by General Buells reinforcements once again creating a large Union force pitted against the Southern army of Beauregard. There at Shiloh, it became a battle on day two of 66,000 Federals vs 45,000 Rebels.

Had the Confederate forces succeeded in that battle, US Grant would have been replaced. In fact, Halleck wanted to do just that. Only US President Lincoln saved Grant. Grant had been criticized for being caught by surprise. Shiloh was a costly battle for both sides.