Fort Bunker Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Bunker Hill |
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| Part of the Civil War defenses of Washington, D.C. | |
| Washington, D.C. | |
Fort Bunker Hill on a map of 1863
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 Fort Bunker Hill
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| Coordinates | 38°56′07″N 76°59′16″W / 38.93539°N 76.98775°W |
| Type | Earthwork fort |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Union Army |
| Condition | Residential Area |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1861 |
| Built by | 11th Massachusetts Infantry regiment |
| In use | 1861–1865 |
| Materials | Earth and timber |
| Demolished | 1865 |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Fort Bunker Hill was an important fort built during the American Civil War. It was one of seven temporary forts made of earth and wood. These forts were part of the defenses around Washington, D.C..
The Union Army built Fort Bunker Hill and other forts. Their job was to protect Washington, D.C., from the Confederate Army. Fort Bunker Hill was located in the northeast part of the city.
Other forts in this defense line included Fort Slocum, Fort Totten, Fort Slemmer, Fort Saratoga, Fort Thayer, and Fort Lincoln. Today, not much is left of Fort Bunker Hill.
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Building Fort Bunker Hill
Soldiers from the 11th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry built Fort Bunker Hill. They started building it in the fall of 1861. The fort was named after the famous Battle of Bunker Hill from 1775. That battle happened in Charlestown, Boston, Massachusetts.
Fort Bunker Hill was placed between Fort Slemmer and Fort Saratoga. Its main purpose was to help defend the northeast side of Washington, D.C. It stood between Fort Totten and Fort Lincoln.
Fort Bunker Hill's Defenders
Different groups of soldiers were stationed at Fort Bunker Hill. They helped protect the city. For example, Company F of the 11th Vermont Infantry Regiment was there until November 17, 1862.
The fort had 13 guns and mortars. These weapons were used to defend against attacks. The fort was shaped like a rectangle. It was used throughout the war until 1865.
Here are some of the troops who were stationed at Fort Bunker Hill:
- 11th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry
- Company B, Main Coast Guards
- Detachment 2nd Company, New Hampshire Heavy Artillery
- 150th Ohio National Guard
- Battery G, 3rd United States Artillery
A smaller group of cannons, called a field battery, was also located nearby to help.
Fort Bunker Hill Today
After the Civil War ended in 1865, Fort Bunker Hill was no longer needed. Today, the area where the fort once stood is a residential neighborhood. It is located near 14th, Otis, 13th, and Perry Streets in Northeast D.C.
Very little of the original fort structure remains. The National Park Service now takes care of the site. They help preserve important historical places like this.
A special marker from the National Park Service tells visitors about the fort:
One of the Civil War Defenses of Washington erected in the fall of 1861, Fort Bunker Hill occupied an important position between Fort Totten and Fort Lincoln in the defense of the National Capital. Thirteen guns and mortars were mounted in the fort.
United States Department of the Interior
National Park ServiceA road near the fort was once named Bunker Hill Road. However, it was later renamed Michigan Avenue.
Images for kids
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NPS sign of Fort Bunker Hill
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Image of NPS Map at Fort Bunker Hill site in Washington, DC
