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Construction of Fort Stanton was begun in September 1861 to
defend the Navy Yard. By October 22, the fort was completed and platforms
were laid for ten 32-pounders, though none of the guns had been received.
Fort Stanton's perimeter of 322 yards was to be armed with 18 guns. A
garrison of 483 men would man the fort. By February 1862, the fort was
fully gunned and garrisoned by companies of the 4th New York Heavy
Artillery Regiment and the 88th Pennsylvania Infantry.
On June 23, 1865, General Order 89, listed Fort Stanton as
a second level fortification and needed for defense of the city. By July,
however, Fort Stanton was abandoned and material within it sold to the
highest bidder.
There are still some fortifications that remain in the wooded parkland
abutting an open overlook on private property. There's also a D.C.
Parks and Recreation playground and an unpaved hiker-biker trail. |
