UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The next session of the Redwood Valley Civil War Roundtable is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 6, at 6:15 p.m., at the Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake.

The presentation will be “The Struggle For Western Tennessee,” with a focus on the battles for Forts Henry and Donelson, which led to the fall of the first Confederate state capital (Nashville, Tenn.) and the loss of much of western Tennessee.

Master Presenter Zane Jensen will take the lead in outlining the key events, then he will lead the group in a roundtable discussion.

Jensen, a US history teacher at Terrace Middle School, toured the Fort Donelson battlefield last summer, according to Phil Smoley, roundtable coordinator.

“Jensen's visit to the battlefield will allow him to bring a personal and tangible element to his presentation,” Smoley said. “He already brings great knowledge and passion to his presentations, and now his personal portfolio of photos of the site will bring the story to life.”

The group was formed by Jensen and Smoley late in 2010 as a way for the local community to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War by reviewing the events chronologically, looking at what happened 150 years ago month by month. January marked the first anniversary of the group.

“We try to tailor the presentations so that both the historical novice and the history buff will enjoy and benefit from,” Smoley explained. “Our discussions are often robust and provocative with a wide range of opinions shared.”

Admission is free.

For more information, contact Zane Jensen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Phil Smoley at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..