National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Civil War Defenses of WashingtonHistoric map of northern defenses.
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Civil War Defenses of Washington
Fort Bayard
Brigadier General George D. Bayard

Photo Courtesy of www.picturehistory.com

Fort Bayard was named for Brig. Gen. George D. Bayard of the 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, who was mortally wounded at Fredericksburg on December 13, 1862.

Fort Bayard was built to overlook River Road, a historically important route into the capital from the north. Connected by rifle-pits to Fort Simmons and Fort Reno, Fort Bayard mounted four 20-pounder Parrott rifles and two 12-pounder field howitzers. Today, located at the intersection of River Road NW and Western Avenue NW, the site retains no visible remains of the fort.

 

 
map of WDC and Atlantic Coastal Plain and Piedmont Plateau  

Did You Know?
The Civil War Defenses of Washington exist because of geology and topography. The strategic high ground where the fortifications are located stretches between two considerably different geologic terrains: the Piedmont Plateau to the north and west and the Atlantic Coastal Plain to the east.

Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: September 11, 2007 at 11:30 EST