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 |
| Materials | earth |
Battery Rodgers was an important military fort built during the American Civil War. It was part of a large defense system that protected Washington, D.C., the capital city of the United States. This fort was designed to guard the Potomac River, stopping enemy ships from reaching the capital.
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What Was Battery Rodgers?
Battery Rodgers was a key part of the defenses around Washington, D.C. during the American Civil War. It was a special place where large cannons were set up to protect the city. This fort helped keep the capital safe from attacks by water.
Building a Strong Defense
Construction of Battery Rodgers began in 1863. Its main job was to control ship traffic on the Potomac River. The fort was built on a high cliff, about 28 feet (8.5 meters) tall. This spot gave it a perfect view of the river and nearby roads. It was ideal for protecting the southern approaches to Washington.
The battery was named after George Washington Rodgers. He was a brave captain in the Union Navy who lost his life during a battle at Fort Wagner. Naming forts after heroes was a common way to honor their service.
Powerful Guns and Soldiers
Battery Rodgers was about 185 feet (56 meters) long. Its sides were 60 and 80 feet (18 and 24 meters) wide. It held two very powerful cannons. One was a 6.4-inch (100-pounder) Parrott rifle. The other was a massive 15-inch Rodman gun. This Rodman gun was one of the largest cannons in the world at that time!
These huge guns needed a lot of gunpowder. So, the fort had two special storage areas called powder magazines. These magazines kept the gunpowder safe and dry. The battery complex also included other important buildings. There was a hospital for injured soldiers, barracks where soldiers slept, a mess hall for meals, and even a small prison.
About 6 officers and 256 soldiers protected Battery Rodgers. They were responsible for operating the cannons and keeping the area safe.
After the War
When the Civil War ended in 1865, Battery Rodgers was no longer needed. The fort was closed down, and its powerful guns were moved to other locations. The land where the battery stood was sold shortly after. This was because it was in a great spot in the middle of Alexandria, Virginia.
Today, you won't find any parts of the original Battery Rodgers standing. However, a small marker in Alexandria remembers its history. You can find it at the corner of South Lee Street and Green Street, near Jones Point Park. The famous 15-inch Rodman gun from Battery Rodgers was moved across the Potomac River to Fort Foote. You can still see it there today, a reminder of this important Civil War defense.
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View of Battery Rodgers with 8-inch (200 pdr) Parrott rifle in front and 15-inch Rodman gun behind.
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A 15-inch Rodman gun in 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 of Battery Rodgers in 2009
