As readers of this blog know each year I attend a weekend study group held at Chickamauga battlefield, known as the Seminar in the Woods. This annual weekend occurs every March and consists of two days of touring and discussion. It has been in existence for approximately fifteen years, and is led by Dave Powell and NPS Park Historian Jim Ogden. Powell is the prolific author of several Chickamauga titles, including his masterful three part tactical study on the Chickamauga campaign and battle. Ogden is one of the most engaging and knowledgeable tour guides I have ever encountered.
The format of the study group is pretty simple: one day is spent on a bus, visiting areas related to the campaign, and the next day is spent on the battlefield proper, breaking down the battle into different small parts each year. The bus tour portion does incur a small fee for the rental of the bus and driver, while the walking tour portion is free. Each year has a different focus, which means one can attend every year and have something new each time.
This Seminar in the Woods is successful because of the willingness of Powell and Ogden to organize the event and give of their time to share their passion of Chickamauga. This has allowed many history buffs to gather together and appreciate an even deeper understanding of the battle. And from this study group I have made friendships that has led to touring other battlefields.
So, applying some of this to Fort Donelson - if a friends group cannot sustain and a round table cannot sustain, then perhaps a simple weekend in the woods, one that does not rely on massive local support, could be a way to gather together those interested in studying the campaign in greater depth, from all across the country. This would bring numerous visitors to the park and surrounding area, helping increase tourism dollars, while illustrating to the locals that many of us do care about the Forts Henry and Donelson story.
More coming in Part III.
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