Daniel Smith Donelson

Daniel Smith Donelson
Portrait of Donelson by George Dury, circa 1850
Born(1801-06-23)June 23, 1801
Sumner County, Tennessee
DiedApril 17, 1863(1863-04-17) (aged 61)
Knoxville, Tennessee
Place of burial
Presbyterian Cemetery Hendersonville, Tennessee
Allegiance United States of America
 Tennessee State Militia
 Confederate States of America
Service / branch United States Army
 Confederate States Army
Years of service1825–1826 (USA)
1827–1834 (Tennessee)
1861–1863 (CSA)
Rank Second Lieutenant (USA)
Brigadier General (Tennessee)
Major General (CSA)
Battles / warsAmerican Civil War
RelationsAndrew Jackson (Uncle)
Rachel Jackson (Aunt)
John Donelson Martin (cousin)

Daniel Smith Donelson (June 23, 1801 – April 17, 1863) was a Tennessee planter, politician, and soldier. The historic Fort Donelson was named for him when he was serving as a Brigadier in the Tennessee militia, early in the American Civil War. He was commissioned as a regular Confederate general, serving notably at the battles of Perryville and Stones River.

After their father died when Donelson and his two brothers were young, the three boys were taken in and adopted by their paternal aunt Rachel Donelson Jackson and her husband Andrew Jackson, a future United States president.