Union fortification built, 1861, by Gen. Charles F. Smith. Manned by 5,000 troops. Jump-off for Grant's Miss. Valley Campaign. Fort was attacked March 25, 1864 by CSA Gen. Nathan B. Forrest's forces. Col. Albert P. Thompson, CSA, of Paducah killed. CSA burned riverfront warehouses. Next day USA troops under Col. S. G. Hicks burned homes in range of the fort. Presented by Paducah Sun-Democrat.
