Fort Donelson National Battlefield Expansion Act of 2004

The Fort Donelson National Battlefield Expansion Act of 2004 officially expanded the boundaries of the historic site to include additional land in Tennessee and Kentucky associated with the 1862 Civil War campaign. The law authorized the National Park Service to acquire up to 2,000 acres of land—including the site of Fort Heiman—through donations, exchanges, or purchases from willing sellers.

For citizens, this legislation ensures the long-term preservation of significant historical landmarks and provides increased opportunities for public education and recreation. By protecting these battlefields from development, the Act maintains the integrity of the local landscape while fostering cooperation between federal agencies to manage and interpret the history of the region for visitors.