Civil War Defenses of Washington - Fort Totten (U.S. National Park Service)

Brigadier General Joseph G. Totten, Chief of Engineers

Photo courtesy of Picturehistory.com

Fort Totten was name in honor of Brig. Gen. Joseph G. Totten, Chief of Engineers.

Construction of Fort Totten began in August 1861 and was finished by 1863. It occupied a high point in advance of the Soldiers' Home, President's Lincoln summer home. It mounted 20 guns and mortars, including eight 32-pounders. The fort's 100-pounder Parrott rifle provided long-range support to Fort Stevens during Confederate General Jubal A. Early's attack on that fort on July 11 and 12, 1864.

Photo Courtesy of the Library of Congress

Men and gun of 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery at ornamental gate of Fort Totten.

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress

Officers of Companies A and B, 3rd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, and crew of 100-pounder. Parrot gun on iron barbette carriage at Fort Totten.

Photo Courtesy of the Library of Congress

Sergeants of 3rd Masachusetts Heavy Artillery, with gun and caisson at Fort Totten.