Battery Rodgers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battery Rodgers |
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| Alexandria, Virginia | |
The layout of Battery Rodgers as it existed during the Civil War. Gun emplacements can be seen at the center bottom of the picture, while the remainder of the battery complex is located in the center.
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 Battery Rodgers
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| Coordinates | 38°47′43″N 77°02′36″W / 38.795167°N 77.0433°W |
| Site information | |
| Condition | demolished |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1863 |
| In use | 1863–1865 |
| Materials | earth |
Battery Rodgers was a special place where big guns were set up. It was part of the defenses built during the American Civil War to protect Washington, D.C., the capital city of the United States.
What Was Battery Rodgers?
Protecting Washington D.C.
Battery Rodgers was built in 1863. Its main job was to stop enemy ships. These ships might try to sail up the Potomac River to attack Washington, D.C. The battery was placed on a high cliff, about 28 feet (8.5 meters) tall. This spot gave it a perfect view of the river. It could easily guard the southern parts of the Potomac River. It also protected important roads leading to Washington.
Who Was It Named For?
The battery was named after George W. Rodgers. He was a brave captain in the Union Navy. Sadly, Captain Rodgers was killed during a battle. This battle happened at Fort Wagner during the Civil War. Naming the battery after him was a way to honor his service.
The Big Guns of Battery Rodgers
Battery Rodgers was about 185 feet (56 meters) long. Its sides were 60 to 80 feet (18 to 24 meters) wide. It held two very powerful cannons. One was a 6.4-inch (100-pounder) Parrott rifle. The other was a huge 15-inch Rodman gun. This Rodman gun was one of the biggest cannons in the world at that time.
The guns needed a lot of gunpowder. So, there were two special buildings nearby. These were called powder magazines. They kept the ammunition safe and dry.
Life at the Battery
Battery Rodgers was more than just a place for guns. It was a small military base. It had buildings for soldiers to live in. There were barracks, which were like dorms for the men. There was also a mess hall where they ate their meals. A hospital was on site to care for sick or injured soldiers. There was even a small prison.
A total of 6 officers and 256 soldiers worked at Battery Rodgers. They were always ready to defend the capital.
After the War
What Happened to Battery Rodgers?
The Civil War ended in 1865. After the war, Battery Rodgers was no longer needed. The big guns were taken away. They were moved to other military sites in Washington. The land where the battery stood was sold. This was because it was in a good location in Alexandria, Virginia. Today, none of the original battery buildings or earthworks remain.
Remembering Battery Rodgers Today
Even though the battery is gone, it is not forgotten. There is a small marker in Alexandria, Virginia. You can find it at the corner of South Lee Street and Green Street. This spot is also near Jones Point Park. This marker helps people remember Battery Rodgers.
One of the huge 15-inch Rodman guns from Battery Rodgers still exists. It was moved across the Potomac River. You can see it today at Fort Foote. It is a great way to imagine how powerful these old cannons were.
Images for kids
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View of Battery Rodgers with an 8-inch (200 pdr) Parrott rifle in front and a 15-inch Rodman gun behind.
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A 15-inch Rodman gun at Battery Rodgers.
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Another view of Battery Rodgers showing the 8-inch (200 pdr) Parrott rifle and the 15-inch Rodman gun.
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One of the dug-in ammunition magazines at Battery Rodgers.
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The site where Battery Rodgers once stood, pictured in 2009.
