Fort Evans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Evans |
|
|---|---|
| Leesburg, Virginia | |
| Coordinates | 39°06′39″N 77°31′53″W / 39.1108°N 77.5313°W |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by |  Confederate States Army |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1861 |
| In use | 1861—1862 |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Balls Bluff |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders |
Nathan Evans D.H. Hill |
Fort Evans was a rectangular fort made of earth during the American Civil War. It is located in Leesburg, Virginia. This fort was one of three built in 1861. Its main purpose was to protect Leesburg from attacks. This was especially important after Virginia decided to leave the Union.
Contents
History of Fort Evans
Building the Fort
Captain John Morris Wampler designed Fort Evans in August 1861. It was built the next month. The fort was placed on a hill about 400 feet (122 meters) high. This spot was east of Leesburg, along Edwards Ferry Road. Its location helped protect the town from the Potomac River.
Confederate Control
From 1861 to 1862, the Confederate Army controlled Leesburg. During this time, Fort Evans was a main base. Two important generals, Nathan George Evans and D.H. Hill, used it as their headquarters. The fort was named after General Nathan Evans.
Battle of Ball's Bluff
General Evans used Fort Evans to plan the defense of Leesburg. He successfully led his troops during the Battle of Ball's Bluff. This was an important battle near the fort.
Leaving the Fort
The Confederates left Fort Evans in 1862. They moved to defend Richmond during the Peninsula Campaign. Later that year, the Union army briefly took over the fort. This happened when General John Geary occupied Leesburg.
Gettysburg Campaign Role
In June 1863, the Union army returned to Fort Evans. The Federal XII Corps, led by Major General Henry Slocum, briefly used the fort. Fort Evans helped protect the area around Edwards Ferry. At that time, two floating bridges were located there. The fort played a quiet but important role in keeping that river crossing safe.
Fort Evans Today
Today, the original earthworks of Fort Evans can still be seen. They are located off Edwards Ferry Road on private land.
Fort Design
Fort Evans has a shape that is roughly like a trapezoid. It is built facing the main compass directions.
- The north wall is about 340 feet (104 meters) long.
- The east wall is also about 340 feet (104 meters) long.
- The south wall measures around 320 feet (98 meters).
- The west wall is about 305 feet (93 meters) long.
The fort had openings called "gun embrasures" in its walls. These were places where cannons could be set up. This was true even though the Leesburg army did not have many cannons.
