The Dover Hotel, also known as the Surrender House, is a remarkable nineteenth-century establishment and an integral exhibit space. Constructed between 1851 and 1853, this historic hotel once provided accommodation for riverboat travelers both before and after the Civil War. During the Battle of Fort Donelson, General Buckner and his staff utilized the hotel as their headquarters, and it later served as a Union hospital following the surrender.

It was within the walls of the Dover Hotel that Generals Grant and Buckner met to negotiate the terms of surrender, a pivotal moment in American history. The hotel also played a crucial role in the aftermath of the battle, as an estimated 13,000 Confederate soldiers were transported from this very location to Northern prisoner-of-war camps.

Despite facing adversity, the Dover Hotel endured, becoming a symbol of resilience for the town. Following the Battle of Dover in 1863, which destroyed much of the town, the hotel stood tall among the remnants. While much of the original structure has been reconstructed, the exterior retains its historic charm, preserving the legacy of that fateful day.

Visitors to the Dover Hotel can still feel the weight of history within its walls. While the exhibit room is accessible from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (except in case of inclement weather or staffing constraints), the rest of the building remains unopened to the public. Despite this, the Dover Hotel stands as a living testament to the pivotal events that transpired within its walls, forever etching its place in American history.