Fort De Russy (1)
Fort De Russy (1) (1861-1865) - First established in 1861 during the U.S. Civil War for the defense of Washington DC. Probably named after BG Rene Edward De Russy, fortification engineer, 1812 graduate and later Superintendent of United States Military Academy. Abandoned at the end of the war in 1865.
Fort De Russy (1) History
This was an earthen fort on a hill overlooking the Rock Creek Valley in the northwest section of Washington DC. Fort DeRussy provided cross fire on the left approaches to Fort Stevens (2) and participated in the battle for that fort during the U.S. Civil War on 11-22 Jul 1862. In that engagement, Fort DeRussy's 22 guns and mortars fired a total of 109 rounds against the advancing Confederate forces under General Jubal Early. The attack was turned back after the poorly manned Union positions were reinforced on the second day. Fort DeRussy's armament included the largest gun, a 100 pounder Parrott Gun, in the engagement.
Fort DeRussy consisted of earthen parapets with cutout gun positions surrounded by a dry moat. Earth covered magazines were located within the perimeter. A line of infantry rifle pits connected Fort DeRussy with Fort Stevens (2) on the right and Fort Kearney on the left.
Current Status
Part of Rock Creek Park in Washington DC. Emplacements still visible.
USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) Database Entry: 531563
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Location: Rock Creek Park, Washington DC. Maps & Images Lat: 38.9633089 Long: -77.0509923 |
Sources:
- Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 134
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