Near Fort Washington in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Defenses of Washington
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
1. The Defenses of Washington Marker
At the start of the Civil War, Washington was protected by only one fort, Fort Washington guarding the Potomac River approach. The capital city was uncomfortably close to Confederate forces operating in Northern Virginia.
by 1864, a system of earthen fortifications had been completed. The forts were well garrisoned and armed with large numbers of guns of diverse sizes and calibers.
The war ended in the spring of 1865, and a year later all but a few forts were abandoned and their brief service ended.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Defenses of Washington series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 38° 46.103′ N, 77° 1.774′ W. Marker was near Fort Washington, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker could be reached from Fort Foote Road, on the right when traveling west. Located inside the Fort Foote National Park. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Fort Washington MD 20744, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Capital View (a few steps from this marker); Load. Ready. Fire! (within shouting distance of this marker); Engineering Evolution (within shouting distance of this marker); Ironclad Killer (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Another Shot (about 400 feet away); New Forts for a New War (about 500 feet away); Reporting for Duty (about 500 feet away); Welcome To Fort Foote (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Washington.
More about this marker. The background of the marker is an 1865 map of Washington's fort system.
Also see . . . Fort Foote. National Park Service site providing a short history of the fort. (Submitted on May 6, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Additional commentary.
1. marker?
I was there today. I didn't see this one. I think they redid the markers.
— Submitted November 20, 2020, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland.
via NPS, unknown
2. Fort Foote tour by markers
Links to associated HMDb entries
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
3. Defenses of Washington Wayside
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
4. Pintels From Barbette Mounts
Several 8-in Parrott rifles were mounted along this section of the fort. The guns used a front pintel barbette mounting, providing a 180 degree arch of coverage.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,495 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 6, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on March 25, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4. submitted on May 6, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. New database entry for the marker that replaced this marker • Can you help?
