Back in mid- June to early July. 1863, citizens of Pittsburgh fully expected Confederates in Robert E. lee's army to come a-knocking at any time. This was the only time the city was actually militarily-involved in the conflict.
Referred to as the "Emergency of 1863," Union Major General William Brooks, commander of the Department of the Monongahela in Pittsburgh received a dispatch June 11th outlining the possible invasion of the city.
Pittsburgh was uneasy throughout the war due to its 70-mile proximity to the Mason-Dixon Line. Known as the "Arsenal of the Union," the city with its location on both rivers and railroad connections as well as industries, was an ideal object for a sudden Confederate thrust. Large cannons were turned out at the Alleghenny Arsenal and Fort Pitt Foundry.
City business and federal leaders met June 14th at the Monongahela House, the finest hotel in the city and decided to close everything to use the manpower to build fortifications.
To Be Continued. --B-R
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
