Fort Johnston (Leesburg, Virginia) facts for kids
Fort Johnston, also called Fort Geary, was an important fort during the American Civil War. It was built on top of a mountain called Catoctin Mountain, near Leesburg, Virginia. This fort was made of earth and stood about 670 feet (204 meters) high.
Building a Civil War Fort
Fort Johnston was built in the winter of 1861 and 1862. This happened after a battle known as the Battle of Ball's Bluff. The fort was one of three forts built to protect Leesburg from possible attacks.
The fort was designed like a four-point star. Each point of the star was about 110 feet (33.5 meters) long. This shape helped the fort defend itself from different directions.
What Happened at the Fort?
The fort was not always busy. Soldiers from the Confederate side (the South) only used it sometimes. This was because most of the danger to Leesburg came from the east, across the Potomac River.
In 1862, the Union army (the North) moved into Loudoun County, Virginia. When they arrived, the Confederates left Fort Johnston. The Union soldiers then took over the fort and renamed it Fort Geary. They did this to honor their commander.
Throughout the Civil War, neither side kept a large number of soldiers in Leesburg for very long. Because of this, Fort Johnston (or Fort Geary) was not used much during the war.
Fort Johnston Today
Today, parts of the old earthworks of Fort Johnston still exist. These are the parts of the fort that were made from earth. The fort is located on private property on Fort Johnston Road.
Further Reading
- Fitzhugh, Turner ed. Loudoun County and the Civil War. Willow Bend Books; Leebsurg, Va. 1961.
