Union Fort Warren

September 20, 2009 Boston Globe.

Construction on this fort by Boston began in 1833 and continued for decades. it still wasn't finished at the onset of the Civil War and by then was practically useless as a defensive position due to advances in artillery and tactics.

It never faced an enemy attack, but did house hundreds of Confederates as prisoners, including James M. Mason and John Slidell of the Trent Affair and Confederate Vice President Alexander H. Stephens.

Union soldiers at the fort are credited with writing the "John Brown's Body" marching song which later was the basis of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Don't Fence Me In. --B-R'er