What was Fort Stevens originally named and what was its primary purpose during the American Civil War?

Fort Stevens was originally named Fort Massachusetts. Its primary purpose was to be part of the extensive fortifications built around Washington, D.C., during the American Civil War to defend the capital.

Who is the current owner and maintainer of the Fort Stevens site?

The Fort Stevens site is currently owned by the National Park Service and is maintained as part of the Civil War Defenses of Washington.

When was Fort Stevens constructed, and what was the primary material used in its building?

Fort Stevens was constructed in 1861, initially as Fort Massachusetts. It was primarily built using earthwork, which refers to structures made from earth or soil.

What does the July 2006 image of Fort Stevens depict?

The image of Fort Stevens from July 2006 shows a Civil War-era cannon, highlighting the historical military equipment associated with the site.

After whom was Fort Massachusetts renamed Fort Stevens, and what was the reason for this change?

Fort Massachusetts was renamed Fort Stevens after Brigadier General Isaac Ingalls Stevens, who was killed at the Battle of Chantilly, Virginia, on September 1, 1862. The renaming served as a memorial to his service.

How did the physical dimensions and armament of Fort Stevens evolve between 1861 and 1862?

In 1861, Fort Stevens had a perimeter of 168 yards and places for 10 cannon. By 1862, it was expanded to a perimeter of 375 yards and could accommodate 19 guns, significantly increasing its defensive capabilities.

By 1864, what was the scale of the defensive network around Washington, D.C., and how did Fort Stevens fit into it?

By 1864, Fort Stevens was one part of a 37-mile-long (60 km) arrangement of fortifications, consisting of 68 forts, all intended to defend the capital city of Washington, D.C.

What event led to the decision to significantly augment Washington City's defenses, and what was the initial state of these defenses?

The Union Army's defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run prompted Congress to augment Washington City's defenses. Prior to this expansion, the city's defenses consisted of only a single fort, Fort Washington, located 12 miles (19 km) to the south on the Potomac River.

According to the National Park Service, what made Washington, D.C., the most heavily fortified city globally during the Civil War?

The National Park Service states that Washington became the most heavily fortified city in the world due to its comprehensive defensive system, which included 68 forts, 93 batteries, 20 miles of rifle pits, and 32 miles of military roads surrounding the capital.

Whose property was seized and destroyed for the construction of Fort Stevens, and where was it located?

In September 1861, Union troops took possession of property owned by Elizabeth Proctor Thomas, a free black woman, and her siblings, at the Seventh Street Turnpike. Her home, barn, orchard, and garden were ultimately destroyed to build what was then named Fort Massachusetts.

What notable figure is believed to have offered words of comfort to Elizabeth Thomas during the destruction of her property, and what did he say?

Many believe that President Abraham Lincoln approached Elizabeth Thomas as she watched her house being destroyed, telling her, 'It is hard, but you shall reap a great reward.'

When was Elizabeth Thomas finally compensated for her property loss, and what was the monetary value of the award?

Elizabeth Thomas was eventually awarded $1,835 in 1916 for the damage and loss of her property. This amount is equivalent to $53,024 in 2024, and she received it a year before her death.

What specific military unit is depicted by the guns of Fort Stevens in a historical photograph?

A historical photograph shows a detachment of Company K, 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, positioned by the guns of Fort Stevens, illustrating the soldiers who defended the fort.

What does the 1865 historical map of the Washington D.C. area illustrate?

The 1865 historical map of the Washington D.C. area, drafted by the U.S. War Department, illustrates the forts and roads in Northeast Virginia, providing a visual record of the Civil War defenses.

What significant battle preceded and delayed Maj. Gen. Jubal Early's Confederate forces before their advance on Washington, D.C.?

Maj. Gen. Jubal Early's Confederate forces were delayed by the Battle of Monocacy before they could advance on Washington, D.C.

On what dates did the Battle of Fort Stevens occur?

The Battle of Fort Stevens took place on July 11 and July 12, 1864.

What specific actions by Confederate forces contributed to their delay before attacking Fort Stevens?

Confederate forces were delayed by stealing horses in Damascus, Maryland, and staying overnight near Rockville before they reached Fort Stevens.

Who commanded the order for the District of Columbia Militia to join the Union army during the Confederate advance?

Major General George Thomas ordered the District of Columbia Militia into the service of the Union army in response to the Confederate advance on Washington, D.C.

Describe the initial skirmishes at Fort Stevens on July 11, 1864.

On July 11, Confederate sharpshooters successfully shot two of the fort's soldiers. However, Union soldiers managed to push the Confederate forces back to a point 300 yards (270 m) from the fort.

Whose residence did the Confederate Army utilize as a command center and medical facility during the Battle of Fort Stevens?

The Confederate Army used the house of nearby resident Francis Preston Blair as a headquarters and a makeshift hospital for their wounded during the Battle of Fort Stevens.

What resources did the Confederate Army seize from local farmers during the battle?

The Confederate Army captured livestock from several nearby farmers during the Battle of Fort Stevens.

What unusual public gathering took place on the evening of July 11 during the battle?

On the evening of July 11, pedestrians lined nearby Seventh Street to watch the fighting at Fort Stevens, turning the battle into a public spectacle.

Which high-ranking U.S. government official observed the fighting at Fort Stevens from a carriage?

United States Secretary of State William Seward observed the fighting at Fort Stevens from a carriage, witnessing the defense of the capital firsthand.

How did the Union Army prevent Confederate sharpshooters from using nearby houses, and what consideration was given to homeowners?

The Union Army destroyed five nearby houses to prevent Confederate sharpshooters from occupying them. However, they allowed the homeowners to remove their furniture before the destruction.

Which specific house was occupied by Confederate sharpshooters despite Union efforts, and what was its ultimate fate?

Confederate sharpshooters occupied the home of Mr. Lay, just west of Fort Stevens, and fired shots at Union soldiers from there. Union soldiers responded by firing at the house's cupola, causing the sharpshooters to retreat, and the house was later burned to the ground.

What other natural feature did Confederate sharpshooters use as a firing position near Fort Stevens?

Confederate sharpshooters also fired from Morrison's orchard, which was located nearby Fort Stevens, using the trees for cover.

When did the Confederate soldiers withdraw from Fort Stevens, and in what direction were they observed moving?

Confederate soldiers retreated from Fort Stevens overnight on July 12. They were seen crossing the Potomac River from Poolesville, Maryland, to Virginia.

What were the approximate casualty figures for both Confederate and Union forces after the Battle of Fort Stevens?

After the battle, the Confederate forces left behind 101 wounded soldiers, including 11 officers. The total number of Confederate casualties was unknown, while the Union Army sustained approximately 50 killed, wounded, and missing soldiers.

What significant historical event involved President Abraham Lincoln at Fort Stevens?

President Abraham Lincoln rode out to Fort Stevens on both days of the attack to observe the battle and was briefly under enemy fire by sharpshooters, making it a rare instance of a sitting president facing direct enemy fire.

What famous, though possibly apocryphal, quote is associated with President Lincoln's presence under fire at Fort Stevens?

An apocryphal story suggests that future Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., then an aide-de-camp to Wright, yelled at Lincoln, 'Get down, you fool!' Another story attributes this quote to nearby resident Elizabeth Thomas.

How historically unique was President Lincoln's experience of being under enemy fire at Fort Stevens?

President Lincoln's experience at Fort Stevens is believed to have been only the second time in American history that a sitting president came under enemy fire during a war, with the first being President James Madison during the War of 1812.

What did *The Evening Star* report on July 13, 1864, regarding President Lincoln's visit to the fort, and what detail was notably absent?

*The Evening Star* article published on July 13, 1864, noted that President Lincoln and Mrs. Lincoln passed along the city defenses in a carriage the previous night and were warmly greeted by the soldiers. However, the article made no mention of Lincoln coming under fire.

What was the fate of the Fort Stevens site after the conclusion of the Civil War?

The Fort Stevens site was abandoned after the Civil War, no longer serving its original military purpose.

What specific restoration work was carried out at Fort Stevens during the late 1930s?

In the late 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps undertook restoration efforts at Fort Stevens, restoring a portion of the parapet and one magazine.

Where are the Union soldiers who perished in the Battle of Fort Stevens interred?

The remains of 41 Union soldiers who died in the Battle of Fort Stevens are buried on the grounds of nearby Battleground National Cemetery.

Where are the Confederate soldiers who died at Fort Stevens memorialized and buried?

A monument to seventeen unknown Confederate Soldiers who died at Fort Stevens was erected in Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery in Silver Spring, Maryland, where these soldiers are also buried.

What was the initial name given to the fortification that later became Fort Stevens?

The fortification that later became Fort Stevens was initially named Fort Massachusetts.

In which year was the construction of Fort Stevens initiated?

The construction of Fort Stevens began in 1861.

What type of construction material characterized Fort Stevens?

Fort Stevens was characterized by earthwork construction, meaning it was built primarily from compacted soil and earth.

What was the strategic importance of the Seventh Street Turnpike in relation to Fort Stevens?

The Seventh Street Turnpike was strategically important as the northern approach to Washington City that Fort Stevens was specifically built to defend against enemy advances.

How many forts were part of the extensive defensive ring around Washington, D.C., by 1864?

By 1864, the extensive defensive ring around Washington, D.C., comprised 68 forts.

Before the widespread fortifications, what was the sole fort defending Washington, D.C.?

Before the extensive fortifications were built, the only fort defending Washington, D.C., was Fort Washington, situated south of the city on the Potomac River.

What was Elizabeth Proctor Thomas's social status regarding freedom during the Civil War era?

Elizabeth Proctor Thomas was a free black woman, indicating she was not enslaved during the Civil War era.

What was the total mileage of military roads that formed part of Washington, D.C.'s Civil War defenses?

As part of its Civil War defenses, Washington, D.C., was surrounded by 32 miles of military roads, facilitating troop movement and supply lines.

How many miles of rifle pits were constructed as part of the defenses around Washington, D.C.?

There were 20 miles of rifle pits constructed as part of the defenses around Washington, D.C., providing cover for infantry.

What was the name of the battle that served as a crucial delay for Confederate forces before their assault on Fort Stevens?

The Battle of Monocacy was the battle that delayed Confederate forces, preventing them from reaching Fort Stevens sooner and potentially overwhelming the capital's defenses.

Who was Francis Preston Blair, and what role did his property play during the Battle of Fort Stevens?

Francis Preston Blair was a nearby resident whose house was utilized by the Confederate Army as both a headquarters and a makeshift hospital for their wounded during the Battle of Fort Stevens.

Fort Stevens Washington D.c. Wiki: Bastion of the Capital: Fort Stevens and the Defense of Washington D.C.

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Fort Stevens: An Overview

A Critical Civil War Defense

Fort Stevens, initially known as Fort Massachusetts, was a vital component of the extensive network of fortifications constructed around Washington, D.C., during the American Civil War. Its primary role was to safeguard the Union capital from potential Confederate incursions, particularly along the critical northern approach via the Seventh Street Turnpike.

Strategic Northern Bulwark

By 1864, Fort Stevens was integrated into a formidable 37-mile-long (approximately 60 km) defensive perimeter. This elaborate system comprised 68 forts and numerous batteries, collectively transforming Washington into one of the most heavily fortified cities globally. Fort Stevens stood as a crucial northern bulwark, directly confronting any advance from that direction.

Renaming and Legacy

The fort, originally established in 1861, underwent a significant expansion and was subsequently renamed Fort Stevens. This renaming honored Brigadier General Isaac Ingalls Stevens, a Union officer who tragically fell at the Battle of Chantilly, Virginia, on September 1, 1862. His sacrifice underscored the gravity of the conflict and the importance of the defenses bearing his name.

Site Evolution and Dimensions

Initial Design and Expansion

Upon its initial construction in 1861, Fort Massachusetts featured a perimeter of 168 yards and was equipped to house 10 cannon. Recognizing its strategic importance and the escalating threat, the Union Army undertook a substantial expansion in 1862. This enlargement increased the fort's perimeter to 375 yards and augmented its armament to 19 guns, significantly enhancing its defensive capabilities.

Geographical Significance

The fort's location was meticulously chosen to command the northern access route into Washington City, specifically the Seventh Street Turnpike. This positioning was critical for intercepting Confederate forces attempting to bypass the capital's outer defenses and directly threaten the seat of the Union government. Its strategic placement highlights the military engineering foresight of the era.

Construction and Human Cost

Fortifying the Capital

The construction of Fort Stevens was part of a broader initiative to establish a robust defensive ring around Washington City. Following the Union Army's setback at the First Battle of Bull Run, Congress authorized a significant augmentation of the city's defenses. Prior to this, the capital's protection largely relied on a single fort, Fort Washington, situated 12 miles (19 km) south on the Potomac River. The subsequent construction effort was monumental, resulting in "68 forts, 93 batteries, 20 miles of rifle pits, and 32 miles of military roads," as documented by the National Park Service, making Washington the most heavily fortified city globally.

The Story of Elizabeth Proctor Thomas

The establishment of Fort Stevens came at a personal cost to local residents. In September 1861, Union troops commandeered property owned by Elizabeth Proctor Thomas, a free Black woman, and her siblings, deeming it an "ideal and necessary location for a fort." Her home, barn, orchard, and garden were subsequently destroyed to facilitate the fort's construction. Thomas frequently recounted witnessing the destruction of her home, weeping with her baby in her arms, when "a tall, slender man dressed in black approached her and said, 'It is hard, but you shall reap a great reward.'" Many believed this individual to be President Abraham Lincoln.

A Long Fight for Compensation

Elizabeth Thomas's ordeal did not end with the destruction of her property. She embarked on a protracted struggle for compensation for her losses. Ultimately, in 1916, a year before her passing, she was awarded $1,835, which, adjusted for inflation, would be equivalent to approximately $53,024 in 2024. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the civilian impact of military necessity during the Civil War.

The Battle of Fort Stevens

Confederate Advance on Washington

In July 1864, Confederate forces under Major General Jubal Early launched an offensive towards Washington, D.C. Their advance was notably delayed by the Battle of Monocacy, a critical engagement that bought precious time for the Union capital's defenses. Further delays, including the theft of horses in Damascus, Maryland, and an overnight stay near Rockville, allowed Union forces to bolster their positions before the direct assault on Fort Stevens.

The July 11-12 Engagement

The Battle of Fort Stevens unfolded on July 11 and 12, 1864, as Confederate cavalry attacked the fort. On the first day, Confederate sharpshooters managed to wound two Union soldiers, but Union forces successfully repelled them to a distance of 300 yards (270 m) from the fort. The Confederates established a temporary headquarters and makeshift hospital at the nearby home of Francis Preston Blair. Union forces, to deny cover to enemy sharpshooters, destroyed five nearby houses after allowing homeowners to remove their belongings. Despite this, Confederate sharpshooters occupied another residence, Mr. Lay's home, west of the fort, and fired upon Union soldiers until Union artillery targeted the cupola, forcing their retreat. The house was subsequently burned. The fighting drew spectators, with pedestrians lining Seventh Street and Secretary of State William Seward observing from a carriage.

Lincoln Under Fire

A defining moment of the battle, widely recounted, involves President Abraham Lincoln's presence at the fort. According to numerous accounts, Lincoln rode out to the fort on both days of the attack to observe the fighting and was briefly exposed to enemy fire from sharpshooters. On July 12, he was reportedly ordered to take cover, most likely by Union Major General Horatio Wright. An enduring, though possibly apocryphal, anecdote attributes the blunt command "Get down, you fool!" to either future Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. (then an aide-de-camp to Wright) or to local resident Elizabeth Thomas. This event is believed to be only the second instance in American history where a sitting president came under enemy fire during wartime, the first being President James Madison during the War of 1812. However, an article in *The Evening Star* on July 13, 1864, while noting Lincoln's visit, made no mention of him being under fire.

Confederate Retreat and Casualties

Overnight on July 12, the Confederate forces commenced their retreat from Fort Stevens, with soldiers observed crossing the Potomac River from Poolesville, Maryland, into Virginia. They left behind 101 wounded soldiers, including 11 officers. While the total number of Confederate casualties remains unknown, Union forces sustained approximately 50 killed, wounded, and missing. The successful defense of Fort Stevens marked a critical victory, preventing the fall of Washington D.C. and demonstrating the resilience of the Union capital's defenses.

Fort Stevens Today

Memorialization and Restoration

Following the conclusion of the Civil War, the Fort Stevens site was abandoned. However, its historical significance was not forgotten. By 1900, Lewis Cass White, a veteran who had fought with the 102nd Pennsylvania Infantry at the Battle of Fort Stevens, spearheaded the formation of the Fort Stevens Lincoln Memorial Association. Through their efforts, funds were raised for a stone memorial, which was dedicated on November 7, 1911. In the late 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps undertook restoration work, reconstructing a portion of the parapet and one magazine, preserving tangible elements of the fort's original structure.

A National Park Service Site

Today, Fort Stevens is maintained by the National Park Service as part of the Civil War Defenses of Washington. The site is located near the intersection of Georgia Avenue, 13th Street, and Quackenbos Street NW, offering visitors a tangible connection to this pivotal moment in American history. It serves as a reminder of the capital's vulnerability and the sacrifices made to protect it.

Honoring the Fallen

The legacy of the Battle of Fort Stevens is also preserved in nearby burial grounds. The remains of 41 Union soldiers who perished during the battle are interred on the grounds of Battleground National Cemetery. Further north along Georgia Avenue, in the Grace Episcopal Church Cemetery in Silver Spring, Maryland, a monument stands in honor of seventeen unknown Confederate soldiers who also died at Fort Stevens, acknowledging the shared human cost of the conflict.

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References

Cramer, John Henry. Lincoln Under Enemy Fire: The Complete Account of His Experiences During Early's Attack on Washington. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1948.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Fort Stevens (Washington, D.C.) Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Historical interpretations and details can evolve with new research.

This is not professional historical or military advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting primary historical sources, academic research, or professional historians. Always refer to reputable historical documentation and scholarly works for in-depth analysis and specific historical inquiries. Never disregard established historical consensus because of something you have read on this website.

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Bastion of the Capital

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Fort Stevens: An Overview 🏛️

📜 A Critical Civil War Defense

📍 Strategic Northern Bulwark

🛡️ Renaming and Legacy

Site Evolution and Dimensions 🗺️

📏 Initial Design and Expansion

🗺️ Geographical Significance

Construction and Human Cost 🏗️

🚧 Fortifying the Capital

🏡 The Story of Elizabeth Proctor Thomas

⚖️ A Long Fight for Compensation

The Battle of Fort Stevens ⚔️

💥 Confederate Advance on Washington

🔥 The July 11-12 Engagement

👑 Lincoln Under Fire

🔚 Confederate Retreat and Casualties

Fort Stevens Today 🌳

🗿 Memorialization and Restoration

🏞️ A National Park Service Site

⚰️ Honoring the Fallen

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Fort Stevens: An Overview

A Critical Civil War Defense

Strategic Northern Bulwark

Renaming and Legacy

Site Evolution and Dimensions

Initial Design and Expansion

Geographical Significance

Construction and Human Cost

Fortifying the Capital

The Story of Elizabeth Proctor Thomas

A Long Fight for Compensation

The Battle of Fort Stevens

Confederate Advance on Washington

The July 11-12 Engagement

Lincoln Under Fire

Confederate Retreat and Casualties

Fort Stevens Today

Memorialization and Restoration

A National Park Service Site

Honoring the Fallen

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice