Camp Stoneman, DC facts for kids

Cavalry soldiers at Giesboro during the Civil War.

Camp Stoneman was an important military base for the United States Army during the American Civil War. It was located in Washington, D.C.. This camp was a special place for cavalry soldiers from the Army of the Potomac. Cavalry soldiers ride horses, but at Camp Stoneman, they stayed when they weren't on their horses. It helped support the Union Army's efforts during the war.

Camp Stoneman: A Civil War Base

Camp Stoneman was named after George Stoneman. He was a brave cavalry commander during the Civil War. The camp was set up in September 1863. Before this, the soldiers were at Camp Davis in Alexandria, Virginia.

Where Was Camp Stoneman Located?

Camp Stoneman was built right next to a place called the Giesboro Cavalry Depot. A "depot" is like a big storage and supply center. The Giesboro Depot was very important for the cavalry. It provided horses, equipment, and supplies for the soldiers.

The camp stayed in Washington, D.C., until December 1864. After that, the main camp moved to Pleasant Valley, Maryland. However, the Giesboro Depot and its hospitals stayed in Washington, D.C. People still called that area "Camp Stoneman" even after the main camp moved.

Today, the land where Camp Stoneman once stood is part of a modern military base. It is now called Joint Base Bolling-Anacostia. This base belongs to the Department of Defense.

Famous People at Camp Stoneman

After the Civil War ended in 1865, a future president of the United States was stationed at Camp Stoneman. His name was William McKinley. At that time, he was a Captain in the Army. He later became the 25th President of the United States.