The Civil War Defenses of Washington from the National Archives refers to a series of forts and smaller earthworks that ringed the city of Washington, DC during the Civil War. These were designed to protect the nation’s capital from attacks by Confederate forces. There are for some better-known forts like Fort Stevens, Fort Totten (near the Fort Totten Metro Station), Fort Ward, and Fort DeRussy (in Rock Creek Park), but also for many smaller and lesser-known fortifications scattered throughout the surrounding areas. The plans for the forts range from hand-drawn manuscripts and rough sketches (like the plan for Fort Stevens above) to finished and often quite ornate and beautiful drawings. While many of the plans show the overall layout and design of the forts, others show architectural details for barracks buildings, power magazines, and other specific structures within or around the forts. (570 items)
The Civil War Defenses of Washington
on 8gb USB 24.95
Transverse Section, magazine at Battery Rodgers
Sketch of proposed alteration of Fort Mahan, 1864
Redoubt Cross (Fort Sumner) - formerly Fort Ripley
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