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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Civil War Defenses of WashingtonPainting of man and canon at Fort Marcy.
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Civil War Defenses of Washington
Guarding the Chain Bridge
Assistant Secretary of the Interior Thomas Ryan recounted his experiences as captain of the 141st Pennsylvania Volunteers in an article appearing in the Washington Post in 1902. His regiment’s mission was to guard the Chain Bridge from Confederate attack. Read this account of the hardships of military life which included civilian suits as uniforms (gray ones at that!), ammunition that did not fit, and exploding muskets. more….
 
historical sketch of soldiers guarding the chain bridge
Harper's Weekly, August 24, 1861
A view of the Chain Bridge from Battery Martin Scott
Eagle  

Did You Know?
The Potomac River is often used by the bald eagle as a flyway.It is not unusual for them to be seen along the areas of Forts Carroll, Foote, and Marcy. Bald eagles also have successfully nested in Fort Circle Park areas in the southeast section of the city.

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Last Updated: August 23, 2007 at 10:52 EST