Fort Davis (Fort Davis (Washington, D.C.), District of Columbia)
Fort Davis (Washington, D.C.) · District of Columbia · Civil War
History & Significance
Fort Davis was a Civil War earthwork constructed for the defense of Washington, built to serve as an outer defense of the city and named in honor of Benjamin F. Davis. The fort was built to protect the Navy Yard and Navy Yard Bridge and was named for Colonel Benjamin Franklin "Grimes" Davis of the 8th New York Cavalry, who led the daring escape of 1,600 Union horsemen from besieged Harpers Ferry in September 1862.
The fort was positioned north of Fort Dupont and southeast of Fort Baker as part of a comprehensive defensive network. It had a perimeter of 220 yards and mounted 12 artillery pieces.
Washington constructed numerous fort sites throughout the Civil War, and by the end of the war the extensive 37-mile defense system included 68 enclosed forts and batteries, 20 miles of trenches, and 93 unarmed batteries. Fort Davis was abandoned in 1865, and the earthworks remain in good condition. The site is currently administered by the National Park Service and utilized as an educational and historical resource.
Key Facts
Map
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🧳 Visiting
What you’ll see when you visit:
- Civil War-era hexagonal earthwork fortification with restored ramparts
- Historical panoramic views overlooking the Potomac River from 300 feet elevation
- Part of Washington, D.C.'s original defensive ring built to protect the capital
- Named after Union officer Benjamin F. Davis, killed at Brandy Station
Sources
- https://www.nps.gov/places/fort-davis.htm
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Davis_Park
- https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=211965
- https://historicsites.dcpreservation.org/items/show/1129
- https://www.apcwdw.com/blank/8
Other Forts in District of Columbia
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