Fort Williams (Virginia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Williams |
|
|---|---|
| Part of the Civil War defenses of Washington, D.C. | |
| Alexandria, Virginia | |
Fort Williams located in the backyard of 212 Quaker Lane in Alexandria, Virginia
|
|
| Coordinates | 38°48′42″N 77°05′24″W / 38.81180°N 77.09000°W |
| Type | Earthwork fort |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Union Army |
| Condition | Dismantled |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1861 |
| Built by | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
| In use | 1861–1865 |
| Materials | Earth, timber |
| Demolished | 1865 |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Fort Williams was a military fort built from wood and earth. It was constructed in Alexandria, Virginia, to help protect Washington, D.C. during the American Civil War.
Contents
What Was Fort Williams?
Fort Williams was named after Thomas Williams. He was a soldier who died in a battle at Baton Rouge on August 5, 1862.
Why Was the Fort Built?
The fort was built in 1861. This was right after the Union forces lost the First Battle of Bull Run. Fort Williams was placed north of Hunting Creek and Cameron Run. It was also near a place called Vaucluse.
From its spot on Quaker Lane, the fort could watch over important roads. These included the Orange and Alexandria Railroad and the Little River Turnpike. It also protected the western ways into Alexandria. Alexandria was the biggest town in Northern Virginia held by the Union.
Who Built Fort Williams?
The 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery Regiment built Fort Williams. The fort had a perimeter of 250 yards. This means its outer edge measured 250 yards around. It was designed to hold 13 guns.
Where Is Fort Williams Today?
Today, parts of the fort are in the backyard of a home. This home is in the Seminary Ridge neighborhood. Other parts of the fort are now in a city park. This park is about 7.80 acres (31,560 square meters) in size. You can find it at 501 Fort Williams Parkway in Alexandria, Virginia.
During the war, many soldiers were stationed at the fort. One of them was George Tryon Harding. He was the father of Warren G. Harding, who later became a U.S. President. George Tryon Harding spent time at Fort Williams in 1864.
Images for kids
