Why were Civil War forts considered refuge sites for freedom-seeking slaves? How did their lives transform after living at Fort Donelson? Objective To help students understand: 1) the significance of the 1862 Battles at Forts Henry, Heiman, and Donelson for freedom-seeking enslaved 2) to use primary resources to understand how freedom-seekers started new lives 3) to learn why Fort Donelson (US) became a recruitment site for African American soldiers Background Tennessee was one of several states in which slavery was legal during the 19th century. Enslaved African Americans numbered 25% of the Duration: 60 Minutes.