Civil War Fort #3

Civil War Fort #3. Point Lookout State Park. , Officially designated by the Army Corps of Engineers as "Fort #3," this earthen redoubt is the only remaining fort of three that were constructed here at Point Lookout during the civil War. Logistically, the fort is 60 yards square and was constructed as a "six gun" (cannon) fort. It featured a cannon platform in each of its corners and one double-ramp for two guns on its Northern wall. Each fort could house a "company" of 100 infantrymen (3 officers, 5 sergeants, 8 corporals and 84 privates)., Construction on the three forts began July 26, 1864. At the time of construction, prisoners outnumbered guards 28 to 1, creating a situation conducive to mass prisoner breakout. A main function of these three forts was to provide refuge and protection for Union guards in the event of the fears of a breakout becoming a reality. The forts could also act as defensive positions if Point Lookout was ever under attack from Confederate forces., The construction of the three forts continued until May 3, 1865, when official orders were received to cease all work. Even though the three forts were operational, they were never fully completed as planned. Examples of Fort 33's reconstructed buildings would have been seen in the other two forts (Forts #1 and #2) as well as the series of "circle forts" that had surrounded and protected Washington D.C. during the Civil War., Fort #1 was armed with four 12-lb Napoleons while Fort #2 had three 12-lb Howitzers and one 4 1/2 inch rifled cannon. Fort #3 was never armed. As you will see upon entering the fort, the interior was made up of four basic buildings: two officers's quarters (located along the North wall), an enlisted man's barracks (located along the East wall), a guardhouse (located in the South-eastern corner) and a powder magazine (located along the West wall).