North Highland in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Fort Bennett
February 2, 2008
1. Fort Bennett Marker
Defenses of Washington
1861-1865
Fort Bennett
Here stood Fort Bennett, a small outwork of Fort Corcoran, constructed in May 1861. With a perimeter of 146 yards and emplacements for 5 guns, it was designed to bring under fire the slope northwest of Fort Corcoran, which could not be seen from there.
Erected 1965 by Arlington County, Virginia. (Marker Number 1.)
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 month for this entry is May 1861.
Location. 38° 53.993′ N, 77° 4.685′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Virginia, in Arlington County. It is in North Highland. Marker is on 22nd Street North, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Arlington VA 22209, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Tulip Poplar - Giant of the Arlington Forest (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Bay-Eva Castle Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Dawson-Bailey Spring Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Dawson-Bailey House (approx. ¼ mile away); Fort Corcoran
this page online
More about this marker. In the center of the marker is a map of the Washington Defenses, with a red (weathered) arrow pointing out the location of Fort Bennett.
Additional commentary.
1. Fort Bennett Particulars
From "Mr. Lincoln's Forts: A Guide to the Civil War Defenses of Washington," by Benjamin Franklin Cooling III and Walton H. Owen II:
As mentioned on the marker the fort had a perimiter of 146 yards and mounted five guns. The armament was two 8-inch howitzers and three 24-pdr guns. The fort was named for Captain Michael P. Bennett, 28th New York Infantry, who presided over the construction of the fort.
Units that garrisoned the fort during the war include the 28th and 97th New York Infantry, 4th New York Heavy Artillery, 164th Ohio Infantry, 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, and the 88th Pennsylvania Infantry.
February 2, 2008
2. Fort Bennett Marker
Looking east - Washington, DC skyline visible in distance.
National Archives
3. Plan of Fort Bennett
From Measurements Taken September 30, 1861, Drawer 169, Sheet 22.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2008. This page has been viewed 3,644 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 2, 2008. 3. submitted on March 22, 2024, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
