Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway Road Closures and Construction update Winter 2013
Construction work on Rock Creek Parkway at Waterside Drive has resumed. Work will continue into Spring 2013. Delays are expected as lane closures occur to accomodate work.
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Step back in time on Saturday, October 15 for a day-long celebration marking the re-opening of historic Peirce Mill during Rock Creek Park Heritage Day.
see: www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/fallheritageday.htm for a schedule of events
On behalf of the National Park Service and Rock Creek Park, we welcome you to a self-guided tour of historic Fort Stevens. Fort Stevens served as the focal point for defending Washington, DC during a confederate attack in July of 1864 and is one of nine Civil War installations under the stewardship of Rock Creek Park. On this tour you will learn the role that the fort served during the Battle of Fort Stevens and hear the incredible stories of sacrifice and struggle of those individuals that worked and lived here. To begin the tour, stand at the corner of Georgia Avenue and Quackenbos Street.
Guitar: Geoff Clark French Horn: Andrew Seacord Coronet: Susan Harvey
Additional Voices:
Nick Bartolomeo, Geoff Clark, Ken Ferebee, Don Kirk, Jessica Kusky, Dwight Madison, Andrew Seacord, Leslie Smith, Dan Winings, Bill Yeaman, Maggie Zadorozny
Notes:
* All text located in parenthesis “( )” will not be read aloud.
* All text written in black ink will be read by narrator.
* All text written in RED ink are historical quotes that will be read by various individuals.
* All text written in Green are sounds effects.
(Music- guitar) (Introduction)
On behalf of the National Park Service and Rock Creek Park, we welcome you to a self-guided tour of historic Fort Stevens. Fort Stevens served as the focal point for defending Washington, DC during a confederate attack in July of 1864 and is one of nine Civil War installations under the stewardship of Rock Creek Park. On this tour you will learn the role that the fort served during the Battle of Fort Stevens and hear the incredible stories of sacrifice and struggle of those individuals that worked and lived here. To begin the tour, stand at the corner of Georgia Avenue and Quackenbos Street.
(Fade guitar)
(First stop: Corner of Georgia Avenue and Quackenbos St.)
Prior to the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the area around Fort Stevens was a tranquil, picturesque farming community. A far cry from the teeming metropolis that one now sees along Georgia Avenue. Try to remove the traffic, the storefronts, and all of the paved surfaces from your mind and attempt a glimpse at the land as it was in the 1850’s and early 1860’s.
Georgia Avenue, which was then called the Seventh Street Pike, was a wide, dirt-trodden road that served as a major thoroughfare that connected Southern Maryland to the Federal City, Washington, DC. Alongside the road you would have seen farmers molding the gentle rolling hillsides into orchards and pastures. Known as the community of Brightwood the area was a quiet, rural neighborhood that seemed a world apart from the White House and the Capital building located just about 5 miles away. But the arguments and intrigue that occurred in 1860 and early 1861 in downtown Washington and throughout America soon transformed the peaceful community of Brightwood into an important military outpost sworn to protect Washington, DC.
(Civil War snare drum- file name: snare drum)
When the state of Virginia seceded in 1861 shortly after the Civil War began, newly elected President Abraham Lincoln realized that Washington, DC must defend itself at all costs. To make matters more pressing, the state of Maryland, particularly Southern Maryland, had thoughts of seceding as well. So defending Washington not only involved defending itself from Virginia on the opposite side of the Potomac River, but also from Maryland.
Because of this, a series of fortifications had to be built to encompass the entirety of Washington, DC from any and all invaders. It would be a monumental task unparalleled in world history to transform Washington, DC into the most fortified city in the world. But where would these forts be built? And, more importantly, who would build them? (Fade Civil War drum)
After the Civil War broke out in April of 1861, President Lincoln called for over 75,000 volunteers to put down the rebellion. For most of these newly formed regiments and militias, the first place they came to was Washington, DC. But once these soldiers arrived into the city, they quickly realized that there was, at least for the present time, no enemy to fight.
(Hammering and sawing sounds- file name: hammerin)
So, the soldiers put down their rifles and picked up shovels, axes, and hammers to build the defenses of Washington. In all, 68 forts were constructed. In between the forts, 93 batteries were built along with miles upon miles of rifle pits and roadways to connect the defenses. Across Georgia Avenue, facing the East and less than ½ mile away, is Fort Slocum. Beyond that, Forts Totten, Slemmer, Bunker Hill, and Saratoga. Facing the West and guarding the Rock Creek Valley is Fort DeRussy. Beyond that, Forts Kearny, Reno, and Bayard.
(Fade hammer & sawing sounds)
In most cases, the lands were privately owned. These lands were confiscated by the Federal government with the assurance that after the war had ended, the land would be returned to the owners. In most circumstances financial compensation was also promised for the use of the land.
Standing at the corner of Georgia Avenue and Quackenbos Street you will see the Emory United Methodist Church. It was here, that the story of Fort Stevens began. Originally, the fort was called Fort Massachusetts, named after the state of origin of those soldiers who built it, the 10th Massachusetts Infantry. However, regiments from New York and Rhode Island also participated in the construction of Fort Massachusetts. Once completed, Fort Massachusetts boasted nine cannon that had a range of over 2 miles.
In September of 1861, a wife of a New York officer of the 65th New York Infantry wrote a letter home which talks of the early days of Fort Massachusetts and the forts in the adjacent area.
Female Voice (Jessica):
Camp Middleton, Washington, D.C. Sept. 7th, 1861. Dear Mother and Brother…… There are quite near us three fortifications within sight---two of which are very large and seem impregnable. We visited them. One is named Fort Bunker Hill, another Saratoga, and I forget the other. We then drove to Fort Slocum, which was built by a Rhode Island Regt., who are encamped by it & who gained permission to have it named after their Col. who was killed at Bull Run. The next we saw was Fort Massachusetts, built by Col. Innes Regt. from N.Y., who are right on the opposite side of the wall. They are indignant that it was not called New York. Mrs. S. and I told them we were from the city & the men seemed delighted to see us. The fort encloses a little brick church, which will of course be torn down if there is any trouble. The guns are already mounted and guarded.
After the war had ended, this section of the fort was returned to the church. Fort Massachusetts was leveled to the ground and the Emory Church was rebuilt.
Walking along the perimeter of the church, you may make out the subtle outline of Fort Massachusetts. But the fort only remained this size for a brief period of time. By early 1863, Fort Massachusetts had doubled in size and was renamed Fort Stevens. To learn more about Fort Stevens, begin walking West down Quackenbos Street and head into the fort.
(Civil War drum roll- file name: drum)
(Second Stop: Inside of Fort Stevens)
While walking into the parade ground of Fort Stevens, stop for a moment and look around the surrounding area. Prior to the construction of this portion of the fort, this land belonged to a free black woman named Elizabeth Thomas. As was the case for the church, Ms. Thomas, affectionately called “Aunt Betty” was forced from her home for the forts construction. With just a matter of moments, she had just enough time to gather her six month old child and a few belongings before her home was destroyed. Years later, Ms. Thomas recounted that fateful day:
(Female voice: Leslie)
The soldiers camped here at this time were mostly German. I could not understand them, not even the officers, but when they began taking out my furniture and tearing down our house, I understood. In the evening I was sitting under that sycamore tree- my only house- with what furniture I had left around me. I was crying, as was my six-months old child, which I had in my arms, when a tall, slender man, dressed in black, came up to me and said to me
(Male Voice: Bill)
It is hard, but you shall reap a great reward.
(Female Voice: Leslie)
It was President Lincoln.
Elizabeth Thomas lived next to Fort Stevens until her death in 1917. She was 87 years old. It is thought that her home was located across from the fort in the community garden that lines 13th street. Later on, as you tour the front and outer perimeter of the fort, you will see the garden area thought to be where Ms. Thomas lived during the time of the Civil War. The history of African-Americans and Fort Stevens are intertwined. In addition to the soldiers, contracted slaves and runaway contrabands were used in the forts construction. The names of these individuals are unknown but their contributions to the fort were immeasurable.
After the District of Columbia Emancipation Act of 1862, slaves and contrabands from Maryland would flee into Washington, DC with hopes of liberation and freedom from human bondage and unjust treatment. Even though Maryland was a slave owning state, it remained in the Union. Legally speaking, the soldiers inside these forts were bound by law to return the slaves and contrabands fleeing from Maryland back to their owners. Soldiers were pressed into strong moral decisions when incidents like this would occur. In late 1862, such a case happened at Fort Stevens.
(Male Voice: Nick)
October 8, 1862
Yesterday noon a contraband came into camp full tilt, running as hard as ever he could, three men on horse back, with revolvers, after him. He had got away from his master’s a month ago, and was at work for a man a mile from here. He was in the barn, and he saw these men coming in. His master asked if he was ready to go home. He said he was not, but reckoned he should have to, and jumped down through a trap door into the stable below, and so out, the men after him. They found they could not catch him, and went for their horses. They got ahead and waited for him at a toll-gate. He saw them coming, and traveled over the lots; they over the fence and after him. He was afraid they would shoot him, but got into our camp – the men hollering. Stop him! Stop Him! But our boys did not see it in that light and the fellow is with us now. He is quite bright – about eighteen- can read some, and is very handy. He was not a slave, but illegally bound out, and his master wanted to sell his time; he did not just know what would become of him, and skedaddled.
The young man was known as Billy. Billy served the soldiers at the fort and eventually spoke of wanting to join the black regiments being organized in Washington, DC. However, it is unknown if Billy ever joined one of these regiments.
Billy’s story was told through an eyewitness account by an officer stationed at the fort. His name was Aldace Walker. Walker was part of the 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery and it was this regiment that constructed the majority of Fort Stevens.
Arriving at Fort Massachusetts on September 1, 1862, the First Vermont Heavy Artillery provided the majority of sweat and labor to transform Fort Massachusetts into a formidable fortification.
Next to the flagpole in Fort Stevens, you will see a relief map of the fort. In the right corner of the map you will see Fort Massachusetts and how large of an addition to the fort the 1st Vermont constructed. An additional 11 cannon mounts were added to bring the total to twenty cannon for the fort. Unlike the original nine cannon inside Fort Massachusetts, the new cannon that were added had an effective range of over four miles. Seated on two of the gun platforms inside the fort you will see replica 30 pound Parrott rifles. Named after its inventor, Robert Parker Parrott, these cannon could hurtle bullet shaped projectiles well into Maryland at an invading army. A large powder magazine was also built to protect gunpowder from rain and moisture. Ventilation pipes were also placed in the powder magazine to allow air to flow freely throughout the structure.
In addition to the back breaking work inside the fort, the First Vermont Heavy Artillery also constructed permanent barracks for the troops across Quackenbos Street, where the Church of the Nativity Rectory is located today. Again, Aldace Walker:
(Hammering and sawing sounds- file name: hammerin)
(Male Voice: Nick)
December 8, 1862
Our quarters are built of stockades, or logs on end, faced on the inside, chinked with moss, and roofed with boards. The barracks are 60 by 21 for each company. Space is economized by building the bunks with alcoves, and the men are all astonished to find how comfortably they are situated in comparison with the usual crowding of seven into a “wedge” tent, seven feet square. The officers will pass the winter under canvas.
(Fade hammer & sawing sounds)
The First Vermont Heavy Artillery was originally designated as an infantry regiment. It was here, on these gun mounts, Aldace Walker and his comrades learned the art of artillery fire for close to two years. When you stand next to one of the cannon and look northward, imagine being part of one of the gun crews. The only houses that you would have seen for miles are a few farmhouses scattered across the landscape. Almost all of the trees had been cut down to give you a maximum field of view. You can look for miles into Southern Maryland where perhaps, the enemy might appear.
(Male voice: Nick)
April 19, 1863 (Cannon fire- file name: cannon)
Yesterday we had the first of our target practice at the Fort- blazing away a good many times, and with pretty good success. It was quite satisfactory on the whole, (Cannon fire- file name: cannon)
and I presume we shall repeat it before long. The day was cloudy, but good enough, and I find that it is no hard matter to see any kind of shot after one learns how. It is rather noisy fun, (Cannon fire- file name: cannon)
but we don’t think there is any danger in it, at least for those in the fort. We could make it pretty hot for an enemy in front though, and I would rather see balls go than come. (Cannon fire- file name: cannon)
Just weeks before the 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery began learning the art of artillery in April 1863, Fort Massachusetts was renamed to Fort Stevens. Named after Brigadier General Isaac Ingalls Stevens, who was killed at the Battle of Chantilly in Virginia, on September 1, 1862. Prior to the Civil War Isaac Stevens had served as governor of the Washington Territory.
As the months dragged on, the men of the First Vermont grew proficient and deadly accurate with the guns of Fort Stevens.
Still, as able and ready as they were to defend Washington from an invasion, the men grew restless on their post as battles raged elsewhere. The tedium of marching, drilling, marching again, drilling again would come to an abrupt end in the spring of 1864. Orders were cut and the 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery were finally going to the fight.
(Male Voice: Nick)
Sunday, May 8, 1864
We feel more and more our liability to leave these diggings. In fact the new Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment, now at Alexandria, is rumored to be the one about to relieve us…..
…Two regiments of the invalid Corps are also coming in here. Of course I shall go to work at once, and make all necessary preparations for a start. We can’t tell when we shall go, or where; but without doubt we shall move soon, and somewhere- “across the river”, Col. Haskin says. I am feeling very well, and am quite ready to be sent somewhere.
The 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery would return to Washington, DC just two months later to aid in the Battle of Fort Stevens. During the battle they would not see combat at this fort. They would see combat in front of Fort Reno near Tennalytown. It would be the regiment that assumed control of Fort Stevens after the 1st Vermont that took the brunt of the battle.
To the extreme right of the earthworks of the fort, you will see a route which will take you to the front of Fort Stevens. Going to the front of the fort you will see what over 15,000 Confederate soldiers faced as they tried to take Washington, D.C. in mid July of 1864. Continuing along the outer perimeter of the fort it will take you back to Quackenbos Street and once again inside Fort Stevens. Once you are standing in front of the fort and are in direct line of the flagpole, the story of the Battle of Fort Stevens will begin.
(Civil War drum roll- file name: drum)
(Third Stop: Front of the Fort and back into the fort)
(Coronet: “Dixie”)
In the early spring of 1864, the war front looked rather bleak for the Confederate States of America. Union General Ulysses S. Grant had amassed an army of over 100,000 Union troops and was pressing into the Shenandoah Valley and the Confederate capitol of Richmond, Virginia. The majority of regiments that were stationed in Washington D.C.’s defenses were pulled out to aid in this campaign. The Confederate capitol of Richmond, Virginia, and the adjacent town of Petersburg, Virginia were under siege.
Confederate President Jefferson C. Davis and his commanding General Robert E. Lee realized that if the Union troops were not pulled out of the Valley, soon, Richmond would fall and the war would come to an end.
A daring tactic was devised. Have a small Confederate Army of about 20,000 leave Richmond and head northward while simultaneously attacking the outer fringes of the Union forces. It was hoped that if the Union would chase this bold army it would relieve pressure off of Richmond. If lucky, perhaps this army could lead the Union out of Virginia all together.
And it was possible…just possible, this army could attack Washington, DC itself. (Fade “Dixie”)
It was a bold plan to say the least. To lead this army Lee needed a cunning and shrewd commander. He found that leader in General Jubal Anderson Early.
Jubal Early was regarded by Lee as his “bad old man”. It was an aptly named title. Early had participated in the majority of the most renowned battles of the Civil War and Early had distinguished himself in battle time and time again.
Leaving Richmond in June of 1864 with portions of the now deceased Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s brigade, Early began his campaign on the Union forces throughout the Valley. Spreading his men thinly and attacking at any and every possible target, his battle honed, and battle hardened Army of 20,000 was thought by Union forces to exceed 40 to 60,000.
While still in the valley, Confederate General John Cabell Breckinridge, former Vice-President of the United States joined up with Early as he continued northward through the Shenandoah Valley and into Maryland. Washington, DC, unaware that it was the prime target of Early’s campaign, listened to the reports from the valley and anxiously waited to see what would happen with this mystery army that was heading their way.
(Civil War drum roll- file name: drum)
On July 9, 1864, Jubal Early’s troops engaged Union General Lew Wallace’s division at Monocacy Creek, Maryland. With Monocacy being less than 50 miles away from Washington, DC, those in this city realized all too late that they were to be attacked. Since almost all of the veteran troops and regiments like the 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery had been pulled out of Washington to engage in the Shenandoah Valley and Richmond Campaigns, who was guarding Washington, DC?
More importantly, who was inside Fort Stevens?
Enter the 100 day men of the 150th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
As the name implies, the 150th Ohio Volunteer Infantry was a regiment organized to serve no more than 100 days. These were the men guarding the northern defenses of Washington and Fort Stevens. A hodge-podge assortment, the 100 day men were composed of old, young, ill-trained, and in some cases severely ill soldiers. These are the men who will fight against one of the most heralded Confederate Armies of the Civil War. At Fort Stevens, Company K of the 150th OVI are manning the guns. They are students from Oberlin College.
In addition to the Oberlin students, Washington had recruited every and any able body to defend the city. Government employees, teamsters and laborers were called forth in the form of the Quartermaster’s Corps. Previously wounded soldiers who were unable to take the rigors of fighting elsewhere were called forth in the form of the Veteran’s Reserve Corps. Lastly, convalescent soldiers from the hospitals in DC were called forth as well. Limping, hobbling, and crawling these men headed north of the capital and manned the area around Fort Stevens and the adjacent fortifications.
Then they waited for Early’s troops to arrive. They did not have long to wait.
(Civil War drum roll- file name: drum)
Private William Leach, a member of the 150th OVI was reconnoitering the area just a mile or so in front of the fort with three other soldiers in the early morning hours of July 11th.
At the same time, Jubal Early’s forces were making their way along the Seventh Street Pike and heading towards Fort Stevens.
James C. Cannon was a member of the 150th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His memoirs vividly recall what happened next. (Gunshot and/or ricochet- file name: battle3repeat)
(Male voice: Geoff)
This post was located on a road which branched off from the Seventh Street northeasterly. Corporal Hudson was in charge and with him were Hinman, Hammond and Leach. It appears that the cavalry, after seeing the vidette and Silver Spring pickets retreat, dismounted and worked their way slowly along both sides of Seventh Street.
Before they were in sight Leach had received permission to take the canteens to fill them at a house back a short distance on the road to the fort, and in a field between this road and Seventh Street. After he had left, Corporal Hudson noticed that the sounds of the skirmishing seemed to be coming through the scrub ‘till he could see the open field, found that the enemy’s skirmish line was nearer the fort than his position and between him and Seventh Street, and that he would probably be cut off from Fort Stevens, but decided in that case to withdraw to Fort Slemmer.
While thinking this over, he was startled by a cry from the road, about two-thirds of the way to the house, we found Leach shot through the thigh and bowels, while, down across the fields were the rebel skirmishers leisurely advancing toward the fort on a line that would pass us.
As they had fired across at Leach, it did not seem safe to stay there with a wounded man. Two Union Cavalrymen were with them, who had come in shortly before, and one of them took Leach on his horse, and by an eastward turn reached Fort Slocum. Leach’s wound was mortal, and though he was kindly nursed by Comrade Wildman, he died on the 13th, having crowned his service with the sacrifice of his life for his country.
(Fade gunfire)
The Battle of Fort Stevens had begun.
Its first casualty, Private William Leach, was the first wounded soldier. Many more would be wounded before this battle would end, and, like Leach, many would be killed or die from their wounds. Private William Leach, a student of Oberlin College, was only 20 years old.
(Civil War drum roll- file name: drum)
Although the Battle is known as the Battle of Fort Stevens, it should be noted that Early’s forces were not all entirely in front of Fort Stevens. The main contingent of his forces were most definitely in front of Fort Stevens, but expeditionary forces from Tennalytown at Fort Reno all the way across to Fort Totten were probing to find a weak link in the defenses of Washington. With Early’s men spread out over several miles, panic spread throughout the entire city as citizens and soldiers alike feared an attack. Soldiers were given contradictory orders and confusion reigned for the Union on the battlefield and inside the forts. Throughout the day the battle line wavered back and forth in front of Fort Stevens. Forts Slocum and DeRussy aided in the defense of Fort Stevens. But even though the cannon of these three forts hammered into Early’s troops, Early’s resilient and determined forces came within 50 yards of Fort Stevens.
(Battle sounds- file name: battle3repeat) (Female Voice: Maggie) SIGNAL STATION, Washington, D.C., July 11, 1864. (Cannon fire- file name: cannon)
(Male Voice #1 - Don)
I have just received the following message: "The enemy is within twenty rods of Fort Stevens.” (Female Voice: Maggie) Washington, July 11, 1864--1.20 p.m.
(Male Voice #2 - Geoff) Keep horses enough to mount all your dismounted men. Dismounted men here have been sent to the field. We cannot give them to you. The main body of the enemy appears to be in our front.
(Female Voice: Maggie) SIGNAL STATION, Washington, D.C., July 11, 1864.
(Male Voice #1 - Don) My dismounted cavalry are mostly out of ammunition. I wish you would send me some of all calibers. (Cannon fire- file name: cannon)
(Female Voice: Maggie) WASHINGTON, D.C., July 11, 1864 (Male Voice #3 - Andrew) We have five times as many generals here as we want, but are greatly in need of privates. Any one volunteering in that capacity will be thankfully received. (Female Voice: Maggie) Fort Stevens, July 11, 1864--4.10 p.m.
(Male Voice #3 - Ken)
The enemy has been close to Fort Stevens, and, although driven back, is still not far distant. (Cannon fire- file name: cannon) (Female Voice: Maggie)
City wide order
(Male Voice #5 - Dwight)
Orders are given that every officer and man who leaves his post shall be shot. (Cannon fire- file name: cannon) (Fade battle sounds)
At the conclusion of the first day of the battle, the soldiers inside Fort Stevens had proven their worth and remained in control of the fort. Early’s forces retired into Southern Maryland and began the long night of anticipation for the next day of battle.
Shortly before the sun set on that first day of battle, the faint calls of boat whistles echoed up the Seventh Street Pike from the docks in downtown Washington. (Boat whistle- file name: nautical018)
Help for the beleaguered soldiers inside Fort Stevens had arrived.
(Civil War drum roll- file name: drum)
On July 9, 1864, as Lew Wallace’s Union forces engaged Early’s troops at Monocacy Creek, Maryland, Washington, DC realized it needed help. In addition to calling forth the Quartermaster’s and Veteran’s Reserve Corps, General Ulysses S. Grant, still in the Shenandoah Valley, was telegraphed of the impending battle.
Grant hastily sent by steam boat and rail two divisions of the Union Army 6th Corps under the command of General Horatio Wright.
The 6th Corps was a battle-hardened group that saw action at places with such names as Manassas, Antietam, and Gettysburg. The 6th Corps were old adversaries of Jubal Early, John Breckinridge, and the troops that were attacking Washington, DC.
July 11, 1864 8:00 AM Lieutenant-General GRANT: Yours of 10.30 p.m. yesterday received, and very satisfactory. The enemy will learn of Wright's arrival, and then the difficulty will be to unite Wright and Hunter south of the enemy before he will recross the Potomac. ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
(Fade telegraph sounds)
As the sun rose on the battlefield on July 12, 1864, Jubal Early surveyed the land. Noticing the flag of the 6th Corps, a Greek Cross, flying beside that of the American flag in Fort Stevens, he knew the chances of taking the city were nil. Nevertheless, after coming so far, he would attempt to take the fort once again. But Early knew that the day would be harder than the previous as seasoned ranks of men from New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Rhode Island were waiting for Early’s troops.
Heading back into the fort and looking to the left of the cannon, you will see a stone monument affixed upon the parapet. It is here that President Abraham Lincoln came to watch that second day of the battle and came within three feet of losing his life.
The tour will continue once you have reached the monument.
(Civil War drum roll- file name: drum)
(Final Stop: Lincoln Stone)
The stone monument on top of the parapet of Fort Stevens was dedicated by the veteran’s of the Battle of Fort Stevens on July 12, 1920.
Originally, the monument was placed in the area of the flagpole, but was resituated on the parapet at the conclusion of the reconstruction of the fort and powder magazine by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s. The monument is dedicated to an event that occurred on the second day of the battle in which President Abraham Lincoln stood on the parapet and came under direct fire of Confederate sharpshooters. It is the only time in American history in which an acting President came under direct fire from an enemy combatant.
Standing next to the Lincoln stone and looking northward, one will see the Walter Reed Army Medical Center located less than ½ mile away. This is the battlefield for the second day of the Battle of Fort Stevens. On the second day of the Battle of Fort Stevens, July 12, 1864, Jubal Early found the forts and surrounding area to be garrisoned by regiments of the Union Army 6th Corps. Throughout the evening of July 11th, the 6th Corps had moved out onto the battlefield and waited for movement from the Confederate invaders.
More of a skirmish line than that of a full fledged hand-to-hand engagement, Early’s forces were stalled on this 2nd day of battle, making it unable to approach any closer to the fort.
The confusion and chaos that gripped the city on the previous day had all but dissipated. The Battle of Fort Stevens suddenly became a curiosity to the citizens of Washington. So while the soldiers on the battlefield and inside Fort Stevens valiantly fought to defend the nation’s capitol, the citizenry of Washington, DC flocked to the forts to see their efforts. Carriages snarled the roadways as the gentry of Washington, DC came to view the spectacle.
One of these individuals was President Abraham Lincoln.
President Lincoln arrived at the fort by carriage early on the morning of July 12. Along with his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, the two entered the fort to see the men of Fort Stevens repel the Confederate invaders.
But seeing the men inside of the fort was not enough for the President. He wanted to see the battle.
So Mr. Lincoln climbed atop the parapet to witness what was transpiring on the battlefield in front of him. Several generals and officers accompanied the President onto this dangerous perch to see the 6th Corps repel Jubal Early’s forces.
(Field sounds- file name: Field sounds)
Scattered throughout the battlefield were a few trees and patches of scrub brush. Hidden in these spots were Confederate sharpshooters. Snipers trained to hit a target at distances of well over 800 yards.
Imagine that you’re one of these sharpshooters. You have traveled well over two hundred miles in a month. You have fought almost every day of that journey to reach the gates of Washington, DC. With you and your comrades is the former Vice-President of the United States. Imagine the humiliation of the North if you can get John Breckinridge back into Washington, DC and take the city for the Confederacy. But you know that with the 6th Corps here, that dream is all but gone.
But what’s this? While hiding in the bushes and trees you see Abraham Lincoln himself standing on top of Fort Stevens. You are a sharpshooter for the Confederate States of America. You’ve invaded the capitol of your enemy and the leader of that enemy is within plain site and within distance of your weapon. What are you going to do? (Gunshot) (Fade field sounds) While standing atop the parapet of Fort Stevens, President Lincoln was transfixed on the battlefield. Bullets from Confederate snipers whizzed by him but he seemed oblivious to the danger. It was not until a surgeon standing three feet to the President’s right was severely wounded in the leg that the reality of the situation became apparent. It was then that several people did their best to encourage the President down from the parapet and back into the safety of the fort.
Mr. President, I know you are the commander of the armies of the United States, but I am in command here, and as you are not safe where you are standing, I order you to come down.
(Male Voice #2 - Geoff )
Mr. President, will you please come down? You’re a perfect mark for the sharpshooters. (Cannon fire- file name: cannon)
(Male Voice #3 - Dwight)
Mr. President, you are standing within range of five hundred rebel rifles. Please come down to a safer place. If you do not, it will be my duty to call a file of men and make you.
Even Elizabeth Thomas, the original land owner to the land of Fort Stevens, voiced her concern about the President while she aided the soldiers inside Fort Stevens.
(Female Voice- Leslie)
My God, make that fool get off that hill and come in here.
But it would be the remarks of a young Captain inside the fort that would be most known and most popularized in American History. The remark is simple, straight-forward, and to the point.
That young officer would eventually become a Justice on the United States Supreme Court. His name was Oliver Wendell Holmes. It is uncertain as to whom President Lincoln heard that encouraged him off the parapet. With all the noise going on inside Fort Stevens, he might have heard all of the comments or perhaps none. Either way President Lincoln came down from the parapet and watched as Union soldiers continued to send Jubal Early’s troops retreating into Southern Maryland and away from Washington, DC.
(Civil War bugler- file name: Taps)
The Battle of Fort Steven was over. Washington, DC had been saved.
But as with any other battle, injuries and deaths occurred. After all Southern forces had fled the area the grim duty of collecting the wounded and dead began.
40 of the Union soldiers who died on the battlefield were placed to rest just a few blocks north of Fort Stevens. President Lincoln himself came to the burial of these brave men and dedicated their resting place as hallowed ground. Located at 6625 Georgia Avenue, Battleground National Cemetery is one of the nation’s smallest National Cemeteries and is open to visit during daylight hours.
(Fade Taps)
(Conclusion )
The Battle of Fort Stevens is considered in the annals of American history as a Union victory. Lee’s plan to relieve pressure off of Richmond had worked, but the outcome still was the same. The Confederate capitol of Richmond, Virginia eventually fell and shortly thereafter, the war came to an end.
Jubal Early and John Breckinridge fled the country at the war’s end and spent several years traveling abroad before returning to the United States. Robert E. Lee’s “Bad old man” never apologized for his attack on Washington, DC nor did Early ever re-take the oath of allegiance to the United States, as was the common practice for those who fought for the Confederacy.
The forts that defended Washington, DC had served their purpose. When the Civil War ended the forts were decommissioned and most of the lands were returned back to the private owners. However, Elizabeth Thomas’s land was never returned to her.
Recalling President Lincoln and the disposition of her land, Elizabeth Thomas has this to say.
(Female Voice- Leslie)
Had he lived I know the claim for my losses would have been paid.
Decades later, after Elizabeth Thomas’s death, her family was eventually compensated for the use of the land.
(Music- File name: America)
President Lincoln never saw the true end of the Civil War. Although he missed a Confederate bullet at Fort Stevens in July of 1864 and saw Washington, DC saved he was not so fortunate to miss an assassin’s bullet nine months later, causing him to miss the reunification of this country.
(Fade America)
Before his death, President Lincoln was once quoted as saying that
(Male Voice: Bill)
History is not History unless it is the truth.
The truth of the story of Fort Stevens does not just lie with the Battle of Fort Stevens or the commemorative stone dedicated to President Lincoln. Locked in the earthwork walls, the empty gun mounts, and the silent cannon of Fort Stevens are also the stories of struggle and sacrifice of those who gave everything to ensure the success of the fort, the preservation of our nation and its capitol, and the rights for all citizens of the United States.
(Music- guitar)
All of these stories, combined, make up the history, the truth as Lincoln would have called it, of Fort Stevens.
Today, Fort Stevens, Battleground National Cemetery, and seven other Civil War installations are under the protection and stewardship of Rock Creek Park, a unit of the National Park Service.
We thank you for participating in Rock Creek Park’s self-guided tour of Fort Stevens and encourage you to visit the other Civil War installations that Rock Creek Park proudly preserves and protects as lessons from the past for future generations.
Additional information on Fort Stevens, Battleground National Cemetery, and the other Defenses of Washington, can be obtained at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center. The Nature Center is located at 5200 Glover Road Northwest and is open Wednesdays through Sundays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Feel free to call us at (202) 895-6070 or visit us on the web at www.nps.gov/rocr
(Fade guitar)
Battleground National Cemetery
On behalf of the National Park Service and Rock Creek Park, we welcome you to a self-guided tour of Battleground National Cemetery. Located at 6625 Georgia Avenue, northwest, Battleground National Cemetery is one of nine Civil War installations under the stewardship of Rock Creek Park and serves as the final resting place for the majority of Union Civil War soldiers who perished while defending Washington, DC during a Confederate attack on July 11th and 12th, 1864.
On this tour, you will take an intimate look at the lives of the brave men who selflessly sacrificed their lives to save Washington, DC and learn of the numerous ways in which the cemetery pays homage to the individuals that are interred here.
Written, narrated, and arranged by: Ranger Ron Harvey
Edited by: Supervisory Ranger Dwight Madison
NOTES:
All text in black ink will be read by the narrator
All text indicated in parenthesis “( )” will not be read aloud
All text indicated in red ink will be read by additional voices
All text indicated in green ink are sounds effects that are to be added
Music:
French Horn - Andrew Seacord Guitar - Geoff Clark Oboe - Melissa Martin (SCA) Guitar – Dan Kirkwood (C&O Canal) Banjo- Tommy Siegal (C&O Canal) Violin – Naomi Munk (C&O Canal)
Additional voices:
1. Nick Bartolomeo 2. Jim Burton 3. Geoff Clark 4. Mark Colburn 5. Ken Ferebee 6. Benny Goodman 7. Don Kirk 8. Dan Kirkwood (C&O Canal) 9. Dwight Madison 10. Nathan Mancini (C & O Canal) 11. John McCarthy- (C&O Canal) 12. Chuck Morrow (VIP) 13. Andrew Seacord 14. Eric Solomon (Eastern Nat’l.) 15. Geoff Suter (C&O Canal) 16. Mike Vilet (C& O Canal) 17. Bill Yeaman 18. Dan Winings 19. Maggie Zadorozny 20. Mike Schaeffer
(Guitar Music) On behalf of the National Park Service and Rock Creek Park, we welcome you to a self-guided tour of Battleground National Cemetery. Located at 6625 Georgia Avenue, northwest, Battleground National Cemetery is one of nine Civil War installations under the stewardship of Rock Creek Park and serves as the final resting place for the majority of Union Civil War soldiers who perished while defending Washington, DC during a Confederate attack on July 11th and 12th, 1864.
On this tour, you will take an intimate look at the lives of the brave men who selflessly sacrificed their lives to save Washington, DC and learn of the numerous ways in which the cemetery pays homage to the individuals that are interred here.
Like the two 6 pounder smoothe-bore Civil War cannon that flank the gates of the cemetery, you will discover that everything located on this hallowed ground symbolically protects the sanctity of the soil and the story of the men who lay here.
(Fade guitar) Before entering the grounds of the cemetery, stop for a moment and attempt to take a glimpse at the land as it was on the hot, stifling night of July 12th, 1864.
(Brightwood- horse walking) Georgia Avenue, which was then called the Seventh Street Pike, was a wide, dirt trodden road that served as a major thoroughfare that linked the Federal City of Washington, DC to Southern Maryland. During the Civil War, the road would have normally been bustling with cart loads of produce that was harvested from the local farms that lined both sides of the road.
But on the night of July 12th, 1864, there was no traffic.
The green and fertile hillsides along the Seventh Street Pike seemed abandoned and desolate.
A quarter moon soared high into the night sky, shining a spectral light on the surrounding rural farmland. In front of you stood a grove of fruit trees that the property’s owner, a man named James Mulloy, had planted.
(Shovel) The only sounds that pierced the stillness of the night came from a clearing in the middle of the grove where a small gathering of battle weary soldiers of the Union Army Sixth Corps cut into the hard, sun-baked soil with shovels.
For two days, they, their comrades, and the regiments that guarded Washington, DC heroically stopped and repelled a Confederate Army that boldly attacked the nation’s capital.
Saving Washington, DC had come at a high price for forty of their brothers in arms. As the men of the 6th Corps dug the graves, their minds echoed with the sounds of cannon fire and musket shot that had deafened the landscape just hours before.
The thin wisps of gun smoke on the battlefield had disappeared but the smell of gunpowder still lingered in the air and on their clothes.
They were parched with thirst and the nearby spring on Mister Mulloy’s property tempted the men to take a quick respite from their task and take a long drink of the cool, clear water that bubbled up from the deep depths of the ground.
(Horse & carriage)
A lone carriage drove up on the scene. In it was President Abraham Lincoln.
Earlier that day, the President had watched their efforts which saved Washington, and more than likely, he saw some of the men who were about to be buried die on the soil of the nation’s capital.
As the 40 men were gently laid into the cool depths of the ground, Lincoln spoke softly about the men and dedicated the gravesite as hallowed ground.
I dedicate this spot as the Battle Ground National Cemetery
With Lincoln’s simple and heartfelt acknowledgment, James Mulloy’s little apple orchard was forever changed.
Then, the President quietly got back into his carriage and rode away.
(Horse and carriage) (Fade shovel)
The story of Battleground National Cemetery and its interred soldiers are a unique chapter in the annals of Civil War history. The men who are buried at the cemetery are the majority of those that were killed while defending Washington, DC during the Battle of Fort Stevens.
(battle sounds) Spearheaded by Confederate General Jubal Anderson Early, the two day battle was the only battle that took place in Washington during the Civil War and is most famously known as the battle in which President Abraham Lincoln stood on the parapet of Fort Stevens and came under direct fire from Confederate sharpshooters. The battle of Fort Stevens marks the only time in American history in which an acting President came under fire from an enemy combatant.
But President Lincoln had survived the battle. Sadly, others did not.
Once the battle had concluded, the grim duty of collecting the dead began. It was decided to lay the fallen heroes of Washington on the battlefield as a permanent symbol and reminder of the sacrifices given by these men who saved the Capital City.
But who were these men that were laid to rest here on the battlefield? Where did they come from? What did they do for a living prior to the Civil War?
More importantly, what compelled these men to put on a uniform and dare to sacrifice all to defend this nation at a time of great division, desperation and despair?
To begin to unravel these questions about the men who are buried at Battleground National Cemetery, enter through the gates of the cemetery and stop at the first stone monument that is located to your left. (Drum)
As one travels along Georgia Avenue, whether by car or by foot, the four stone monuments that grace the front of the cemetery call out the deeds of the regiments that saved Washington and the men that died during the battle. Placed here in the early 1900’s by the veterans of the battle, the monuments reflect almost a third of the men that are buried here.
Standing closest to the entrance gate is the monument for one of the very first regiments that encountered Jubal Early’s army. It is dedicated to the 25th New York Cavalry.
(battle sounds) Having no need for their horses during the battle, the 25th New York Cavalry were sent out onto the battlefield in the unaccustomed role as infantrymen. The men of this regiment would be some of the first to fall during the battle, but not the last.
(roll call) Sergeant Alfred C. Starbird Company A 25th New York Cavalry Wayne County, Pennsylvania Age: 31 Carpenter. Grave # 33
Private Elijah Hufletin Company A 25th New York Cavalry New York State Age: 28 Farmer Grave #17
Private Jeremiah Maloney Company K 25th New York Cavalry Cork, Ireland Age: 21 Baker Grave #34
Sergeant Thomas Richardson Company B 25th New York Cavalry Ireland Age: 24 Grave #35 (Drum)
Aside from being the first to fall during the Battle of Fort Stevens, the individuals of the 25th New York Cavalry also reflect the diversity of those that fought in the Battle of Fort Stevens. Take Sergeant Alfred C. Starbird for example. Sergeant Starbird is the tallest man buried at the cemetery. Standing at 6 feet 2 his tall frame would have been an imposing sight to see on horseback.
But his height would have been a great disadvantage for him during the battle. With only a few trees and patches of scrub brush to use for cover, there would have been very few places for Starbird to find a safe spot on the battlefield, making him an easy target for the Confederate sharpshooters.
Records indicate that Sergeant Starbird was shot through the heart and died instantly on the battlefield.
Two of Starbird’s companions, Private Jeremiah Maloney and Sergeant Thomas Richardson were men that were not born in America, but still heeded the call to defend and preserve their adopted nation.
Jeremiah Maloney was a baker from Cork, Ireland who could not read or write. When it came time for Maloney to sign his name on his enlistment papers, he simply placed his mark, an “X”, for his signature. Tragically, he had just begun his military career only two months earlier and the Battle of Fort Stevens would be his first an only time in combat.
Thomas Richardson, however, was a man who knew a lot about the Civil War. Prior to serving with the 25th New York Cavalry, Richardson was part of the 3rd United States Infantry. While serving with that regiment, Richardson fought diligently for the Union at the battles of Manassas, Antietam, and Chancellorsville.
On June 11, 1863, just three weeks before the pivotal battle of Gettysburg, Richardson was mustered out of service and he returned to his civilian life. Then, citizen Richardson, free of his obligation to the Union army, made his way to Brooklyn, New York and took on the profession of a servant.
Seven months later, Thomas Richardson quit his job and, for reasons known only to him, once again donned a soldiers uniform. It is uncertain to say what compelled this man who was free of the Civil War to once again join the fight. All that can be said about Richardson’s motivations is that, apparently, the life of servitude was not for him.
Joining Jeremiah Maloney and Thomas Richardson at the cemetery are five other men that traveled across the Atlantic from the Emerald Isle and put on the Union blue
(Danny boy)
Private John Davidson Company F 43rd New York Infantry Ireland Age: 32 Carpenter Grave #3
Private Patrick Lovett 37th Massachusttes Infantry Formerly of the 10th Massachusetts Infantry Age: 39 Laborer Ireland Grave #12
Private John Dolan Company D 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry Galway, Ireland Age: 21 Shoemaker Grave #27
Private Andrew Manning Company H 77th New York Infantry Tepperary, Ireland Age: 38 Laborer Grave# 29
Private John Kennedy Company C 122nd New York Infantry Ireland Age: 34 Farmer Grave #13 (Fade Danny Boy)
Located two monuments down from the 25th New York Cavalry’s monument is the stone dedicated to Private Kennedy and his regiment, the 122nd New York Infantry.
The 122nd New York was part of the Union Army Sixth Corps, a massive relief force sent from the Union siege works in Petersburg, Virginia to aid in the defense of the Federal City during Early’s Confederate assault.
Missing the majority of the first day of the battle because they were in transit, the 6th Corps was instrumental in repulsing Early’s forces from Washington on the second day of the battle.
Carved into the sides of the monument are the names of the wounded and killed that the regiment suffered during the Battle of Fort Stevens. The names on the monument are a testament to the fierce fighting that had once occurred on this land. In addition to Kennedy, four more members of the 122nd are interred here.
Private John Bentley Company B 122nd New York Infantry England Age 41 Farmer Grave #4
Private David Hogeboom Company E 122nd New York Infantry New Scotland, New York Age 35 Grave #16
Private Alanson Mosier Company C 122nd New York Infantry Manlius, New York Farmer Age 20 Grave #32
Completing the roll call for the 122nd New York Infantry is Harvey P. B. Chandler. Private Chandler holds the distinction of being the youngest member of the honored dead that is buried at the cemetery.
Born and raised in Sullivan, New York, a sleepy little community that is located not far from one of New York State’s Finger Lakes, Chandler enlisted into the 122nd on February 22, 1864, George Washington’s birthday.
Just five months later, this young mans brief life was snuffed out while defending the nation’s capital. He was only 18 years old. Private Harvey PB Chandler Company C 122nd New York Infantry Sullivan, New York Farmer Grave #37
(Drum)
To the right of the 122nd New York monument is the stone monument commemorating the 98th Pennsylvania Infantry, another regiment that served with the Sixth Corps. The 98th was mostly comprised of men of Germanic lineage. Like the 122nd’s monument, the names of their wounded and fallen have been carved onto the sides of the monument. Four of the names of the fallen that are forever etched onto the stone can be found here.
Three of the four shared a unique bond. George Marquet, Bernard Hoerle, and Frederick Walther all came from the southern province of Wurttemberg, Germany. It cannot be determined if these men were related in some way, or even if they knew each other before they enlisted into the 98th.
(Battle Hymn) What is known about these three men, who were born over 3,000 miles away from America’s shores, is that they all enlisted within two weeks of each other in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in September of 1861.
Sergeant George Marquet Company E 98th Pennsylvania Infantry Wurttemburg, Germany Age: 30 Butcher Grave #7 Private Frederick Walther Company B 98th Pennsylvania Infantry Wurttemburg, Germany Age: 29 Farmer Grave #10
Private Bernard Hoerle Company C 98th Pennsylvania Infantry Wuertenberg Germany Age: 46 Farmer Grave # 23
The fourth member of the 98th, Charles Seahouse, enlisted on December 23, 1863. Two days before the Christmas holiday.
Private Charles Seahouse Company K 98th Pennsylvania Infantry Waldek Germany Age: 29 Stonecutter Grave #24
In addition to the members of the 98th, one other German immigrant, as well as a Canadian can be found on this hallowed ground.
Corporal Wiliam Ruhle Company E 49th New York Infantry Prussia Age: 25 Moulder Grave #22
Corporal George W. Farrar Company G 43rd New York Infantry Bedford, Canada Age: 27 Potter Grave #8 (Drum)
At the end of the row of monuments stands the memorial stone for the 150th Ohio National Guard, also known as the 150th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. If you had been a member of this regiment, particularly Company K, you would have been stationed at Fort Stevens during the battle and would have seen President Lincoln coming under fire from the Confederate sharpshooters.
The 150th ONG lost one soldier, a student from Oberlin College, 20 year old Private William Leach.
Leach died on July 13th, a full day after the battle, from wounds he received. Since he died after the battle and not on the battlefield, Private Leach is not buried at the cemetery.
Nevertheless, the sacrifice of Private Leach and the bravery and determination exhibited by the 150th ONG earned the regiment its well-deserved place of recognition at Battleground National Cemetery.
Elsewhere in the cemetery, the 150th ONG are also paid a more subtle tribute for their participation in the battle. It can be found behind the graves along the East wall of the cemetery in the form of the concrete and marble rostrum.
The rostrum was placed at the cemetery in the early 1870’s. The four pillars of the rostrum stand in memory of the four volunteer companies that were inside Fort Stevens during Early’s assault; the Quartermasters Corps, Veterans Reserve Corps, convalescent soldiers, and the 150th Ohio National Guard.
But the focal point of honorariums that have been bestowed upon the men are located at the center and outer perimeter of the graves themselves.
As you make your way to the flagpole from the 150th ONG monument, you will see three bronze plaques painted black that have been mounted around the perimeter of the graves. On these plaques are words to a poem known as The Bivouac of The Dead. The poem was written in 1847 by Theodore O’ Hara and the endearing lines of the poem fittingly sum up the words of appreciation for the men buried here and the heroic deeds they accomplished.
The muffled drum's sad roll has beat The soldier's last Tattoo; No more on life's parade shall meet That brave and fallen few. On Fame’s eternal camping ground Their silent tents are spread, And glory guards, with solemn round The Bivouac of the dead.
Rest on, embalmed and sainted dead, Dear as the blood ye gave, No impious footstep here shall tread The herbage of your grave.
Once you have arrived at the flagpole, stop for a moment and examine the intricate detail given to the flagpole itself. The flagpole stands at a regulation 50-feet high and is adorned with a gold ball on its top. Throughout the day and the changing seasons, the shadow of the American flag will briefly and symbolically rest on each of the graves.
The base of the flagpole is composed of three sections.
At the bottom of the base are upside-down torches that symbolize the lives of these men that were tragically extinguished.
The middle section comprises eight acanthus leaves painted black with four festoons also painted black that have ribbons between each one symbolizing the mourning of the men.
Circling the top of the base are four silver eagles with crests on their breasts and outstretched wings. The eagles have been arranged in such a fashion so that each soldier will always be facing our national emblem.
The three sections of the base are bound together with metal straps that have been formed to look like braided rope, uniting the sentiments of loss, mourning and patriotism.
For the graves themselves, white marble headstones indicate the grave number, the soldiers’ name, and the state of the regiment he was part of. The headstones were set here in the early 1870’s to replace the original wooden markers.
Through the use of personal and military records, many intimate details can be found about these men who are buried at the cemetery.
No more are they just names on cold, marble stones. Once again the embers of their lives are rekindled. (Drum)
Before donning the uniform and serving their duty, the soldiers interred at the cemetery walked various paths of life. For some of the men at the cemetery, it seems fitting that they were laid to rest in James Mulloy’s orchard. For like Mr. Mulloy, they too were farmers.
Private Russell Stevens Company D 3rd Vermont Infantry Brighton, Vermont Age 20 Grave #21
Private John Poektt Company F 7th Maine Infantry Bath, Maine Age 19 Grave #38
Private William Gillette Company D 49th New York Infantry New York Age 22 Grave #39
In addition to the farmers, the roll call of the cemetery is a veritable who’s who of professions, trades and skills.
32 year old Private Matthew J. DeGraff, who is buried at Grave #1, was a clerk from Esopus, New York and was part of the 43rd New York Infantry.
22 Year old Sergeant John Milton Richards of the 139th Pennsylvania Infantry was a teacher. He is buried at Grave #40.
35 year old William Holtzman, located at grave #20, was formerly a plasterer before enlisting into the 93rd Pennsylvania Infantry
30 year old Andrew J. Dowen, a Private in the 77th New York Infantry, was a stone mason and is buried at grave #31
In the same regiment as Private Dowen was a 27 year old mechanic
Private Alvarado Mowry grave #18
At grave #25 is 33 year old Corporal Ambrose Mattott
I was a boatman who plied along the canals of the Hudson River prior to the Civil War.
At grave #30 is 27 year old Corporal Edwin C. Barrett of the 43rd New York Infantry.
Barrett was a cooper by profession and when he enlisted into the 43rd on August 1, 1861, he patriotically put down as his place of birth simply as “The United States”.
It was almost fitting that Barrett and his regiment participated in the Battle of Fort Stevens. Barrett and the 43rd New York Infantry helped build the defenses of Washington in the beginning days of the Civil War.
Tragically, had Corporal Barrett survived the Battle of Fort Stevens, he would have been mustered out of service just 19 days later.
(Drum)
Throughout the ages, historians, researchers, and the general public have coined the Civil War as the “Brothers War”. The tides of political, social and moral beliefs ripped countless families asunder as blood relatives fought on both sides of the war.
But in most cases, the “Brothers War” strengthened the bonds of families as fathers, sons, and brothers enlisted together and served alongside each other.
This devotion to country and family is epitomized at Grave #36 at the cemetery. Grave #36 is the resting place of Private John Ellis of the 61st Pennsylvania Infantry. His story is one of a family united, divided, and reunited one last time for the Battle of Fort Stevens. Following the lead from his three brothers, John Ellis enlisted into military service on February 3rd, 1864 and was fortunate to become a member of a regiment that two of his three brothers were serving in, the 61st Pennsylvania Infantry.
One of the three brother’s, Olrando, was wounded numerous times, had his arm amputated, and after serving as a prisoner of war, he was mustered out. Asaph Ellis, who was also part of the 61st, was more fortunate than Orlando and did his best to protect and guard John as best he could from the hardships and rigors of war. Johns’ third brother, Horace, served with the 7th Wisconsin Infantry and periodically engaged in battle alongside his brothers. Although Horace was part of a different regiment, fate and the Civil War always seemed to place the brothers side by side on the battlefield.
(Battle sounds) In May of 1864, John, Asaph and Horace were laying siege to the town of Petersburg, Virginia and the nearby Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia.
However, Horace was wounded and was sent to Washington, DC to recover from his wounds.
Just two months later, John and Asaph arrived in Washington to aid in the Battle of Fort Stevens as part of the 6th Corps relief force.
Horace, still recovering from his wounds, fled the hospital that he was recovering in to fight alongside his brothers once again.
Sadly, this would be the last time that the three brothers would ever be together alive. John Ellis, the youngest member of this brave family, was killed in action during the early hours of July 12th, 1864 along with five other members of the 61st Pennsylvania Infantry.
Private Philip Bowen. Company A Age 34 I was a carpenter from Center County, Pennsylvania Grave #14
Private Andrew Ashbaugh. Company H Age 43 I was two days short of completing one year of service. Grave#26
H. McIintire Civilian camp follower. Although I was not OFFICIALLY a member of the 61st Pennsylvania Infantry, I was posthumously given the honorary rank of Private for my actions on the battlefield during the Battle of Fort Stevens. Grave #15
2nd Lieutenant William Laughlin. Age 28 Farmer I am the only officer killed during the Battle of Fort Stevens that was buried at Battleground National Cemetery Grave #28
Corporal Edward Garvin Company J Age 33 Previously misidentified as Private George Garvin Grave#11
Private John Ellis Company A 61st Pennsylvania Infantry Clearfield County, Pennsylvania Age 19 Laborer Grave #36 (Drum)
As the role call continues of the cemetery’s honored dead, it becomes obvious that there were many heroic and horrific events that occurred during the Battle of Fort Stevens. Whether the soldiers that participated in the battle were grizzled veterans of the war, or new recruits, each soldier knew that they could not ignore the call of duty even if it meant that they themselves would be killed.
For one of the soldiers buried at Battleground National Cemetery, this call to duty to save Washington, DC was so overpowering that it seems that nothing could have kept him off the battlefield that day.
What’s amazing about this man’s dedication to duty is that his records indicate that he was probably already dying long before the Battle of Fort Stevens ever occurred. His name was George W. Gorton and he is buried at Grave #6. (Drum)
Of the estimated 623,000 soldiers that died in the Civil War, almost two out of three died due to disease and illness and not from combat.
(coughing) Malaria, small pox, measles, pneumonia, tuberculosis and dysentery crippled both Union and Confederate soldiers alike throughout the war.
Because of this, by 1864, Washington, DC had been transformed into one of the largest Union field hospitals in the nation. By the thousands, the sick, diseased, and dying were brought to this city to either recover from their sufferings or to die.
(battle sounds) During the first day of the Battle of Fort Stevens, July 11th, 1864, the Union Army 6th Corps was still too far away from the city to help. Because of this, Washington, DC was forced to ask the infirmed men in the hospitals to once again heed the call to duty.
Placing duty ahead of their health, thousands these men limped, hobbled and crawled from their hospital beds and headed northward to defend the city against Jubal Early’s army.
In the midst of these sick and dying men was Corporal George W. Gorton of the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry.
Sadly, as gallantly as the men of the hospitals fought under the hot July sun, the battle would take its toll on the convalescent soldiers, including Corporal Gorton.
Corporal George W. Gorton. Company D, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry Transferred to the Veterans Reserve Corps April 1864 Hospitalized May 1864 until called forth to Fort Stevens on July 11th Age: 19 Grave #6
(Drum)
Of the four remaining men who were buried here on the night of July 12th, 1864, little can be found in the ways of military records to give us a personal look at their lives. However, ongoing efforts by researchers continue to bring the stories of Mark Stoneham, E.S. Bavett, C.S. Christ and William Tray to life as well.
One tantalizing fact that is known about one of these four men is that he is not a soldier at all. He was a civilian who joined ranks with government employees, teamsters and laborers to aid in the battle.
Although it may never be determined which of these men is the citizen combatant, it is fitting to know that he lies in a well deserved place of honor with the other heroes that saved Washington, DC.
(Drum)
(Rain, wind, digging)
On a cold, rainy March day in the year of 1936, Edward Campbell, the last surviving Union veteran of the Battle of Fort Stevens was laid to rest at Battleground National Cemetery. Having participated in the Battle of Fort Stevens, Campbell and all other Union veterans of the battle had earned the right to be buried here. However, Campbell would be the only one to request this honored post.
Edward Campbell’s story of the Battle of Fort Stevens and his connection to Battleground National Cemetery is one of the most personal stories that can be told of a Civil War veteran. He was not just a participant of the Battle of Fort Stevens. Edward Campbell was also part of the burial detail that laid the soldiers to rest on this hallowed ground on July 12, 1864.
In July of 1935, eight months before his death, Edward Campbell recounted that somber moment when after the battle of Fort Stevens had ended, he was assigned to lay his comrades to rest. (Fade rain, wind, digging)
I was sent back to bury the dead. We picked them up from where they lay, scattered over the field – most of them killed by sharpshooters. We had just about finished the job, and who do you suppose came driving up? It was Lincoln. I’ll always remember what Lincoln looked like and what he said. He looked sad. He didn’t say anything for a minute. We all stopped working. Mr. Lincoln held up his hand and said “I dedicate this spot as the Battle Ground National Cemetery”. Then the President and his aides rode away.
At the war’s end, Edward Campbell continued his military service and eventually reached the rank of a Major in the United States Army. After retiring from the Army, Campbell wanted to remain close to his comrades at the cemetery and worked in Washington, DC as a clerk in the Pension office until 1915.
In 1871, Campbell saw a superintendent’s lodge built at the cemetery, onto which the words to the Gettysburg Address are mounted. The lodge housed a caretaker named Augustus Armbrecht. Sadly, Mr. Armbrecht suffered his own losses at the cemetery as his wife, Sarah, and three of his children, John, Kate and Gus, died during his solemn vigil over the fallen 40 men. In honor of his diligence to the men of the cemetery Mr. Armbrecht’s wife and children were also interred at the cemetery behind graves 28 and 29.
(America) For years after the Civil War had ended, the veterans of the battle would gather at the cemetery to reminisce about the battle and the brave men who did not survive. During these gatherings, gentle lilting music would emanate from the rostrum as ceremonial bands played tunes that transported the veterans back to those two fateful days in July of 1864.
But as the years went by the ranks of the veterans of the Battle of Fort Stevens began to dwindle and the reunions at the cemetery eventually came to an end. By 1936, Edward Campbell had become the last of these great men.
In March of 1936, Campbell’s last wish was honored and the last veteran of the Battle of Fort Stevens was laid to rest at Battleground National Cemetery.
Almost 72 years after the Battle of Fort Stevens had concluded, the role call of Battleground National Cemetery was finally complete.
Major Edward R. Campbell United States Army, retired. Formerly a Private of the 2nd Vermont Infantry Second Division of the Union Army 6th Corps. Age: 92 Grave #41
(Taps) Battleground National Cemetery has the distinction of being one of the nation’s smallest national cemeteries with only 41 soldiers interred here. Like the larger and more well- known Arlington National Cemetery, located across the Potomac River, here you will find the remains of individuals who bravely answered the call to protect and defend this nation in a time of peril.
They came from five different countries.
They walked the paths of fifteen different occupations.
They served with regiments from seven different states.
They were soldiers.
All of them were heroes.
(Fade Taps) On July 23, 1864, just 11 days after these men were buried, James Mulloy, the original property owner to this land objected to the use of his land being seized by the government and developed into a graveyard.
(Gavel) Mister Mulloy filed damages against the Quartermaster’s Department, claiming that the remains of the fallen had contaminated his spring, making the property unsuitable for homesteading. Four years later, on August 1, 1868, Mulloy was awarded $2,650.35 by the US Government for the loss of his land. It was a small price to pay to leave this final resting place undisturbed for these of men of valor.
(Guitar) Today, the area around Battleground National Cemetery has been developed, commercialized, and paved over. Little remains of the battlefield on which these brave men died upon save this one acre plot of land and the nearby Rock Creek Valley. Although the voices of the men buried at Battleground National Cemetery were forever silenced, long, long ago, the stories of their lives and their sacrifices still echo along the corridors of Washington, DC and throughout America.
Their silent vigil of protecting Washington, DC and its history continues.
On behalf of the National Park Service, we thank you for participating in Rock Creek Park’s self-guided tour of Battleground National Cemetery and encourage you to visit the other Civil War installations that Rock Creek Park proudly preserves and protects as lessons from the past for future generations.
Additional information on Battleground National Cemetery, Fort Stevens, and the other Defenses of Washington, can be obtained at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center. The Nature Center is located at 5200 Glover Road Northwest and is open Wednesdays through Sundays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Feel free to call us at (202) 895-6070 or visit us on the web at www.nps.gov/rocr
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Did You Know?
Coyote sightings have been reported in Washington, DC since May 2004. DO NOT FEED or attempt to feed them. Once a wild animal gets accustomed to being fed by humans there is much more likelihood that an individual will get bitten by an animal looking for food.
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