Fort Anderson was a Union fortification built in 1861 and named for Kentuckian Robt. Anderson of Fort Sumter fame. On March 25, 1864, CSA forces led by Gen. N.B. Forrest attacked the fort, seized supplies, and burned the wharf. CSA Col. Albert Thompson of Paducah was killed. The next day, USA troops under Col. S. G. Hicks burned homes to clear the area of cover for Confederate soldiers.