In February 1862, "Tyler" assisted in General Ulysses S. Grant's advance up the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers, helping in the capture of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, securing western Kentucky for Federal forces. Between assaults on the two forts, "Tyler" joined and "Lexington" moving along the Tennessee River, destroying an important railroad bridge and capturing three Confederate gunboats, most notably the CSS "Eastport" which was converted into an ironclad for Union service. After participating in the two-day action which culminated in the surrender of Fort Donelson, "Tyler" resumed operations on the Tennessee River in support of Grant's advance southward along the river's banks through western Tennessee.