Fort Greble, Civil War fortification ruins in Shepherd Parkway, United States
Fort Greble sits on a strategic bluff overlooking where the Anacostia and Potomac rivers meet in southeastern Washington D.C. The remains of its earthwork fortifications are still visible and set within a wooded park area.
The fort was built in 1861 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after the First Battle of Bull Run made clear that Washington's defenses needed strengthening. It became part of a network of fortifications designed to protect the capital.
The fort carries the name of First Lieutenant John Trout Greble, a West Point graduate who became an early casualty of the Civil War. His name serves as a reminder of the personal costs of that conflict.
The site is open year-round and allows visitors to view the earthwork remains within its natural wooded setting. The paths through the park are relatively easy to navigate, though the ground can become slippery after rain.
The Seventh Massachusetts Heavy Artillery was the unit that operated cannons here and saw action in several operations defending Washington. This specialized artillery regiment played a key role in manning this fortified position.
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