Fort Stevens, Guardian of D.C.-- Part 1

From Wikipedia.

Formerly named Fort Massachusetts, was part of extensive fortifications built to protect Washington, D.C., during the Civil War.

Originally built in 1861, but expanded and renamed Fort Stevens after Brigadier General Isaac Ingalls Stevens, who was killed at the Battle of Chantilly, Virginia, on September 1, 1862.  

In 1861, it had a perimeter of 168 yards and  embrasures for ten cannons.  In 1862, it was expanded to  375 yards and 19 guns.  It guarded the northern approach to the city along 7th Avenue.  By 1864, it was part of a thirty-seven mile long arrangement of fortifications consisting of sixty-eight forts to defend the capital city.

After the Union defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run, the defenses of Washington, D.C., consisted of just one fort, Fort Washington, located some twelve miles south on the Potomac River.  Eventually there would be 68 forts, 93 batteries,  20 miles of rifle pits and 32 miles of military roads.

--Old Secesh