Fort Stevens, Civil War fort in Brightwood, Washington DC, United States
Fort Stevens is a Civil War fortification built on high ground with earthen ramparts and artillery positions overlooking what is now Georgia Avenue. The National Park Service maintains the partially restored site, preserving the basic structure of this defensive work.
The fortification was built in 1861 and named after Brigadier General Isaac Stevens, who died in an earlier battle. It became one of several defensive works that protected Washington throughout the war years.
The fort served as a key defensive position protecting the capital during the Civil War, and visitors can sense its importance in the city's wartime history. Today, the site shows how this location shaped the defense strategy of Washington.
The site is accessible year-round and offers a clear view of the defensive line through its preserved earthen walls. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the terrain includes stairs and uneven ground.
A Confederate assault in July 1864 brought combat directly to the capital's doorstep, making this one of the few places where fighting actually occurred within Washington's defensive ring. This closeness of danger shaped how residents experienced the war.
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