Fort Johnson (5)
Fort Johnson (5) (1863-1865) - A Union U.S. Civil War Fort established in 1863 in present day Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee. Named Fort Johnson after Andrew Johnson, military governor of Tennessee. The fort was abandoned by Union troops in 1867 after the end of the war and after Tennessee had returned to the Union. Also known as Camp Andy Johnson and Capitol Redoubt.
History of Fort Johnson
The beginning of the U.S. Civil War found Nashville under Confederate control with Fort Henry and Fort Donelson providing external protection. With the loss of Fort Henry (6 Feb 1862) and Fort Donelson (16 Feb 1862) the Confederate position in Nashville became untenable and they surrendered the city on 25 Feb 1862.
Union forces occupied the city and turned Nashville into a Union logistics hub for the region. Work on the fortifications for the city began in August 1862 using large numbers of conscripted contrabands (runaway slaves) and free Blacks.
Captain James St. Clair Morton converted the State Capitol Building into a strong fortification with a stockade of cedar logs surrounded the building, reinforced bales of cotton and earthen parapets. Fifteen pieces of heavy artillery were emplaced at strategic points around the Capitol. Several companies of infantry and artillery garrisoned the fort. Fort Johnson became the headquarters of the command.
The fort was abandoned by Union troops in 1867 after the end of the war and after Tennessee had returned to the Union.
Current Status
No remains and no markers.
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Location: The State Capitol at 600 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee. Maps & Images Lat: 36.16579 Long: -86.78441 |
See Also:
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 741.
Links:
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