Brightwood in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fort Stevens
Rock Creek Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
"We haven't taken Washington, but we scared Abe Lincoln like hell!"
General Jubal Anderson Early
Built between 1861-1863 this structure was originally called Fort Massachusetts and guarded the northern defenses of the nation's capital during the Civil War. On July 11-12, 1864 Fort Stevens defended the city from a Confederate attack under the command of General Jubal Anderson Early. During the battle, President Abraham Lincoln came under direct fire from Confederate sharpshooters while he witnessed the battle from the parapet of the fort. The Battle of Fort Stevens marks the only time in American history that a seated President came under direct fire from an enemy combatant during a time of war.
Fort Stevens was named after General Isaac Ingalls Stevens. General Stevens was killed on September 2, 1862 during the Battle of Chantilly, Virginia.
[Sidebar:]
In order to construct Fort Stevens, the home of the original property owner, Elizabeth Thomas was destroyed.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Forts and Castles • War, US Civil • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is July 11, 1864.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Scale Model of Fort Stevens (a few steps from this marker); Lincoln Under Fire at Fort Stevens (a few steps from this marker); “Get Down You Fool” (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Fort Stevens (about 300 feet away); Aunt Betty's Story (about 400 feet away); The Rock on Brightwood Avenue (about 400 feet away); A Streetcar Named Brightwood (about 700 feet away); St. John United Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker which has slightly different text in the sidebar.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 25, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 191 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 25, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
