Fort Lyon, Civil War fortification in Fairfax County, US
Located on Ballenger's Hill south of Hunting Creek, Fort Lyon controlled access to Telegraph Road and the Orange and Alexandria Railroad routes.
The Union army constructed Fort Lyon in September 1861 following their defeat at Bull Run to strengthen the defensive perimeter around Washington DC.
Named in honor of Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon, who lost his life during the Battle of Wilson's Creek in Missouri.
The military installation extended across nine acres with a perimeter of 937 yards and mounted 31 artillery pieces for defense operations.
A devastating explosion on June 9, 1863 destroyed eight tons of powder, killed 25 soldiers, and prompted a personal inspection by President Abraham Lincoln.
Location: Fairfax County
Inception: 1861
Part of: Civil War defenses of Washington, D.C.
GPS coordinates: 38.79390,-77.07780
Latest update: March 7, 2025 23:32
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