Last updated: April 20, 2021
Place
Fort Greble and Fort Carroll
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
Fort Greble and Fort Carroll were constructed as part of the Eastern Branch Defenses (Anacostia River) that guarded the gateway to Washington during the Civil War.
According to Brigadier General John G. Barnard, Chief Engineer, "the chain of works (ten in all) from Fort Meigs to Fort Greble occupies the summit of the ridge between the Eastern Branch and Oxon Creek from almost all points at which, in this distnace of 6 miles, an enemy can bring batteries to bear upon the navy-yard or arsenal."
Fort Greble was constructed as an octagonal redoubt with a perimeter of 350 years. Construction began in September 1861, but was not formally complete until 1864. The fort mounted 17 cannons and mortars. The earthwork was named in honor of Lieutenant John T. Greble, killed at the Battle of Big Bethel in Virginia on July 10, 1861.
The two sites were located on densely wooded land, thereby providing sufficient lumber for the construction of the Fort Greble. Their plateau locations enabled them to lay down a withering cross-fire between them. To deter the possible advance of the enemy through the wooded hills surrounding the sites, civilian construction gangs cleared paths which could be raked from the guns of the forts
- Duration:
- 2 minutes, 5 seconds
An overview of the Civil War Defenses of Washington, the roles of Fort Stevens and other forts in the Civil War, and how park visitors can experience these places today.