Under Union Occupation

Under Union Occupation. . After Confederate forces abandoned Fort Heiman in February 1862, Federal troops occupied it until March 6, 1863. The fort was strengthened and became a major supply depot for Union troops and gunboats. A new fortification (Federal Fort) was also built about half a mile behind the Confederate fort. This fortification, much of which still exists, became the center of an extensive encampment and road complex., During 1862-63 the new Federal Fort and old Fort Heiman helped protect and maintain the vital supply line that the Tennessee River had become. They also offered, along with Forts Henry and Donelson, havens for growing numbers of refugees, most of whom were slaves seeking safety within Union lines., (Photo Caption): , The Union soldiers shown here are representative of those who occupied Fort Heiman. This photograph was taken inside a captured Confederate Fortification on the Petersburg, Virginia siege lines., (Map Caption): , Before permanently abandoning Fort Heiman on March 6, 1863, Union troops destroyed that part of the fort's earthworks that lay along the river. They left largely intact the breastworks along the crest of the bluffs and an upper battery or redoubt. Remnants of these breastworks and what may have been a powder magazine remain on site.