Fort Richardson (Arlington, Virginia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Richardson |
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1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery at Fort Richardson (1861)
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| General information | |
| Status | Remnant open to public |
| Type | Civil war fort |
| Location | Arlington County, Virginia |
| Address | Army Navy Country Club, 1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203 |
| Coordinates | 38°51′28″N 77°04′41″W / 38.857827°N 77.07805638°W |
| Elevation | 220 feet |
| Construction started | 1861 |
| Owner | Army Navy Country Club |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Major Daniel Phineas Woodbury |
| Developer | Union Army |
Fort Richardson was a small, detached fort built by the Union Army in September 1861. It was part of the many forts and defenses created to protect Washington, D.C. during the American Civil War. The army built this fort soon after a big defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861.
The fort was named after General Israel B. Richardson. His army division was tasked with defending Washington, D.C., from attacks coming from the Columbia Turnpike.
Contents
Fort Richardson's Design and Location
Fort Richardson was the highest fort along the "Arlington Line" of defenses. It was built on top of a ridge, giving it a great view of the surrounding area. The fort's outer edge measured 316 yards around. It had spots for 15 cannons.
One powerful cannon was a 100-pound Parrott rifle. This gun could fire across a wide area, from Fort Ellsworth all the way to Fort DeKalb (which was later called Fort Strong). The fort also had special "bomb-proof" shelters. These were safe places for soldiers during attacks. There were also two places to store ammunition. A military camp was set up right next to the fort.
Fort Richardson's Artillery and Troops
A report from May 17, 1864, gives us a good idea of what Fort Richardson was like. Major Trumbull was in charge of the fort at that time. Three companies of the First Connecticut Heavy Artillery were stationed there. This included 1 major, 12 officers, 1 sergeant, and 412 regular soldiers.
The fort had many different types of weapons:
- Two 24-pounder field howitzers (smaller cannons)
- Six 24-pounder siege cannons (larger, for attacking forts)
- One 100-pounder rifled Parrott cannon (very powerful)
- Three 30-pounder rifled Parrott cannons
- Two 24-pounder Coehorn mortars (used for firing shells high into the air)
- One 10-inch mortar (even larger mortar)
The report also said that the fort's ammunition storage areas were dry and in good condition. There was plenty of ammunition ready to use. The tools for the cannons were also complete and working well. The soldiers were considered fair at both artillery drills (using cannons) and infantry drills (marching and fighting on foot). Their overall discipline was also fair. The report concluded that there were enough soldiers to defend the fort properly.
What Happened After the Civil War
When the Civil War ended in 1865, the United States Army started returning the land where the forts were built. Many of these properties were given back to their original owners. Sometimes, the Army paid the owners for using their land. They also paid for any damage caused during the war.
The Army also sold off many of the materials used to build the forts. This included wood, metal, and other supplies.
Fort Richardson Today
Today, you can still find parts of Fort Richardson. Its remains are located on the grounds of the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington County, Virginia. The fort's southern wall, made of earth, and its ditches are still well-preserved.
In 1965, the Arlington County government put up a historic marker. This marker stands along the Country Club's private road, Memorial Drive. It helps people remember the history of Fort Richardson.
