Civil War Forts, Present-Day Parks
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Maryland National Park Service Virginia U.S. Department of the Interior Civil War Defenses of Washington Washington, D.C. A 15-inch Rodman Cannon overlooking the Potomac River at Fort Foote NPS / RON HILTON Civil War Forts, Present-Day Parks Forested heights and inviting parklands—a rare backdrop to most out in 1861, Union forces quickly built a ring of earthen fortifications By latest accounts urban settings—wrap a mantle of contrast around Washington, D.C. around the nation’s capital and moved massive cannons into place. Even more uncommon are the exceptional natural elements and rem- Hospitals and settlements sprang up nearby, providing shelter and the enemy is nants of history located among the hills encircling the city. work for many, including African American “contrabands” of war. moving on High ground around Washington played a vital role in protecting the Most of the fortifications were dismantled or abandoned by 1866. Washington. nation’s capital during the Civil War. In 1860 slave states sympathetic Decades later, a plan to connect the historic sites with a scenic auto- to the Confederacy surrounded the District of Columbia, which was mobile route paved the way for their preservation. Although some Let us be protected only by the brittle brick bastions of Fort Washington, 16 elements of the Civil War Defenses of Washington eventually sur- vigilant, but keep miles south on the Potomac. As the prospect for war grew, tensions rendered to time and urbanization, many fortifications and associated escalated, and Washington, D.C., lay vulnerable to attack. The Lincoln lands remain protected within the National Park System. Today parks cool. Administration realized the city urgently needed a stronger shield of and woodlands occupy the heights where heavy guns once scanned — President Abraham Lincoln defense, prompting the Federal government to seize strategic lands the horizon—and people stroll, hike, and bike where courageous Washington, D.C., July 10, 1864 with views of essential roads, bridges, and waterways. As war broke soldiers once stood guard over the nation’s capital. PORTRAIT / LIBRARY OF CONGRESS The Defenses of Washington Fortifying the nation’s capital became the Union’s greatest concern after the defeat at Manassas in the summer of 1861. Major General John G. Barnard (left), a West Point graduate and respected expert on coastal fort construction, accepted the mas- sive task. Armed with engineers, soldiers, former slaves, and other laborers, Barnard developed a connected system of fortifica- tions occupying every prominent point around Washington. Rifle trenches linked each strategic site and doubled as communica- tion lines. By the end of the Civil Earthen Fortifications Fort Foote NPS War, the “Father of the Defenses of Washington” had directed the Military earthworks are fortifications con- with shovels and picks to build ramparts construction of 68 forts, 93 gun bat- structed from dirt. Inexpensive and read- (walls), parapets (slopes), and bombproofs teries, 20 miles of rifle pits, and 32 ily available, dirt produced very strong (shelters) following a standard procedure Company F, Third Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, in Fort Stevens, 1865 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS miles of military roads around the capi- structures that could absorb the impact for construction. A dry moat (trench) and tal. As a result, Washington, D.C., became of projectiles better than brick or stone barricade of dead trees called an “abatis” The Battle of Fort Stevens PORTRAIT / LIBRARY OF CONGRESS one of the most fortified cities in the world. masonry. Soldiers and laborers worked surrounded each fort. By the end of 1863 heavily armed forti- a force of 14,000 men had crossed the fications provided a perimeter of protec- Potomac, fought at the Monocacy River tion around the nation’s capital. With near Frederick, Maryland, and encoun- 23,000 troops positioned in this ring of tered fire from Fort Reno, Fort DeRussy, defenses, Washington officials felt the city and Fort Slocum. Early’s Confederate force was well prepared for Confederate attack. then assaulted Fort Stevens—only six miles from the U.S. Capitol. The following summer, thousands of troops stationed around Washington, Panic spread through the city. President D.C., were sent to reinforce General Lincoln urged citizens to stay calm as Ulysses S. Grant at Richmond and additional Union troops arrived. On July Petersburg, Virginia. Only 9,000 poorly 12, 1864, Lincoln visited Fort Stevens to trained reserves remained to protect encourage the men during the conflict the city. Confederate leaders, including and barely escaped a sharpshooter’s bullet. General Robert E. Lee, knew the time was Federal troops closed in, and the fighting right to strike Washington, D.C. By the ended by dusk. Early retreated when he afternoon of July 11, 1864, Confederate recognized the unexpected strength of Company E, Fourth Colored U.S. Infantry at Fort Lincoln, 1863–1866 Union troops on guard duty, Chain Bridge, 1865 Encampment near Fort Slocum, 1861 Lieutenant General Jubal A. Early and the reinforced defenses of Washington. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS LIBRARY OF CONGRESS LIBRARY OF CONGRESS From Early Concept to Lasting Connections The Civil War Defenses of Washington During the 1930s the Civilian Conservation parks connect crossroads from the nation’s Corps (CCC) provided jobs while enhanc- . the points that are singled divergent past to our present pastimes. ing park facilities. Reconstruction of a par- Nearly 40 years after most of the Civil apet at Fort Stevens and construction of out by natural conditions as War fortifications were dismantled, Fort Davis Drive are only two of the CCC’s Congress reviewed a proposal for a “Fort most visible contributions throughout the especially worthy of Drive” around Washington, D.C. The 1902 circle of parks. More than a century later, McMillan Commission Report concept historic locations within the Civil War preservation are mainly included a modern roadway winding Defenses of Washington remain linked by through a landscaped corridor that linked a ribbon of recreational opportunities and hilltops from which extensive the forts. Between 1930 and 1965 the significant natural and cultural resources. fortification sites and land acquired for One of the nation’s earliest urban plan- views may be obtained. the Fort Drive were transferred to the ning efforts now provides open space for National Park Service, but a continuous public enjoyment and important habitat Reconstruction at Fort Stevens by CCC, 1937–38 roadway eventually proved impractical. for native plants and animals. — McMillan Commission Report, 1902 NPS COLLECTION NPS COLLECTION Construction of Fort Davis Drive by CCC, 1935 Fort Dupont mountain laurels NPS Blackpoll warbler USFWS Summer concert at Fort Dupont NPS BACKGROUND / NPS Woodlands along Fort Davis Drive today conceal and protect the remains of Civil War fortifications. DRAFT – 11-24-09 Circle of Forts, City of Trees Visiting the Civil War Defenses of Washington From Forts to Forests The circle of fort sites around the city More Information Strategic heights selected by Civil War engi- contains a captivating collection of his- National Capital Parks-East neers for the defenses of Washington over- toric Civil War fortifications, natural en- 1900 Anacostia Dr., SE looked major turnpikes, railroads, bridges, and vironments, trails, and parks. This map Washington, D.C. 20020 shipping routes. At fort locations with dense 202-690-5185 shows the general locations of the forti- woodlands, the Union Army cut down trees to www.nps.gov/nace fications and batteries that made up create vantage points for observing approaches the Civil War Defenses of Washington. Rock Creek Park to the city. After the war, nature reclaimed Many remain in the heights surround- 3545 Williamsburg Ln., NW many fort sites. Today, second-growth hard- ing Washington, D.C., but some no lon- Washington, D.C. 20015 wood forests protect remnants of earthen forti- ger exist. Detailed street maps may be 202-895-6070 fications and provide shelter for a variety of required to find specific locations open www.nps.gov/rocr plants and animals. Trails meander alongside to the public managed by either the springs that slowly release rainwater purified National Park Service or other agencies. George Washington by forest soils. Migratory bird songs mask the Memorial Parkway National Park Service sites are open ev- sounds of civilization. Such natural diversity is c/o Turkey Run Park ery day from dawn to dusk except Janu- McLean, VA 22101 unusual so close to a city. It is this ribbon of ary 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25. 703-289-2500 green around Washington, D.C., that helps Visit www.nps.gov/cwdw for details. www.nps.gov/gwmp NPS make the nation’s capital so unique. NPS NPS 30-pounder Parrott rifle at Fort Stevens Lady’s slipper orchids—a rare sight Fort Stevens–On July 11-12, 1864, Fort Stevens defended Washington, D.C., President Lincoln’s Cottage–This peaceful haven on the grounds of the U.S. Soldiers’ from Confederate attack. President Abraham Lincoln came under direct fire and Airmen’s Home served as President Lincoln’s residence for a quarter of his time from enemy sharpshooters while he observed the fighting from the parapet in office. Traveling to and from the White House by horse or carriage, Lincoln often of the fort. The Battle of Fort Stevens marks the only time Confederate forces encountered citizens, soldiers, and former slaves along the way. From here the Pres- attempted to break through the defenses of Washington. Forty Union dead ident and Mrs. Lincoln traveled two miles to observe the Battle of Fort Stevens. The were buried in an orchard on the battlefield. Dedicated by President Lincoln, National Trust for Historic Preservation now administers the site and offers tours their final resting place is now known as Battleground National Cemetery. and other visitor services. The National Park Service manages both the fort and the cemetery.