Near Fort Washington in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
King's Depression Carriage
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
1. King's Depression Carriage Marker
The marker is somewhat worse for the wear.
Capt. Rufus King, Jr. devised a counterweight system and front-pintle mount that would allow the 49,000 pdr. Rodman Gun to depress during loading. Except for the brief periods of exposure to enemy fire during the aiming and firing of the gun, the crew could remain protected behind the high parapets of the fort.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Military • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Defenses of Washington series list.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 38° 46.066′ N, 77° 1.709′ W. Marker was near Fort Washington, Maryland, in Prince George's County. It could be reached from the intersection of Fort Foote Road. 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 marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It was also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Another Shot (a few steps from this marker); Ironclad Killer (within shouting distance of this marker); Reporting for Duty (within shouting
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Fort Foote (was a few steps from this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); Northwest Bastion (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); 15-inch Rodman Smoothbore (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named 15-inch Rodman Smoothbore (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); The Defenses of Washington (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Fort Foote (was about 500 feet away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
2. Depression Carriage Wayside
Also see . . . Fort Foote Park. National Park Service site providing a short history of the fort. (Submitted on May 5, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
3. Marker and the Remaining Pintle of the Carriage
Photographed by Wikipedia
4. Rufus King Jr.
"This officer, when his captain was wounded, succeeded to the command of two batteries while engaged against a superior force of the enemy and fought his guns most gallantly until compelled to retire." Rufus King Jr.'s Medal of Honor Citation awarded on April 2, 1898 for his actions at White Oak Swamp on June 30, 1862.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 5, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,878 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on December 1, 2021, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 5, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on September 14, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
