Fort Stanton Park
4.0 (11)park
4.0 (11)Civil War earthworks and masonry bastions share this wooded park with dirt trails for hikers and mountain bikers.
Description
Constructed in September 1861 to defend the Navy Yard, Fort Stanton was one of the larger installations along the Eastern Branch Line of Washington's defenses. Named for Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, the fort held a 322-yard perimeter, 18 artillery pieces, and a garrison of 483 artillerymen and infantry. In 1863–64, builders added unique masonry magazines, portions of which survive in good condition alongside the preserved earthworks.
