SOUTHERNERS DEFEND FORT HENRY, KENTUCKY JANUARY SEVENTEENTH 1862 By January of 1862, the War for Southern Independence had proved to be a long hard struggle for the Confederacy. Bordering states were always being threatened by the invading armies of the north and the fears of common civilians continued everywhere. On the 17th of January in 1862, the state of Kentucky, which was bordering along the Tennessee River was the focal point of union troops which were wanting to take control of this portion of the state. Confederate forces were still in command of Fort Henry on the Tennessee River and were not about to give up their control. Union General Charles Smith was ordered to attack Fort Henry and to assume control of as much of this area around it as possible. Southerners capitulate the position and thus begins the ultimate downfall of their sovereignty in Kentucky. IF anyone had an ancestor which fought at Fort Henry, you're en- couraged to share some thoughts on this event and to share their participation in the take over of Fort Henry. Send your comments to our list: [email protected] THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING! glenn