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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Civil War Defenses of WashingtonBoy Scouts on tour at Battleground National Cemetary.
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Civil War Defenses of Washington
Fort Slocum
Colonel John Slocum

Fort Slocum was named after Colonel John Slocum of the 2nd Rhode island Infantry. Colonel Slocum was killed on July 21, 1861 at the First Battle of Manassas (also known as the First Battle of Bull Run).

Fort Slocum was built by the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry. The fort had 25 guns and mortars and commanded the intersection of the left and right forks of Rock Creek Church Road (near today's New Hampshire Avenue and McDonald Place). The fort also provided support for Fort Stevens to the west.
Fort Washington  

Did You Know?
When the Civil War began, Fort Washington was the only existing fortification for the capital's defense. Fort Washington, nearly 12 miles down the Potomac, was built to guard against enemy ships during the War of 1812.

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Last Updated: September 04, 2007 at 11:22 EST