Information Panel: Interior Fort

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

You are standing inside the Interior Fort, facing its north wall -- the most imposing earthwork on Maryland Heights. This nine-foot high parapet and accompanying ditch defended the crest from an attack from the north. The five embrasures which cut through this wall served as artillery positions for howitzer guns, and later, 30-pounder Parrott rifles.

A Union recommendation that "all plateaus or gentle slopes between the crest and Harpers Ferry be held" suggests the purpose and origin of the Interior Fort/ As a rectangular earthwork, its defensive position included part of the mountain's crest and a narrow plateau just below. Built during the winter of 1862-1863 it borders the Exterior Fort on the west and encompasses the Stone Fort within its southeast corner.

Archaeological surveys recorded thirteen powder magazines on Maryland Heights, three within this fort. Used to store gun powder and shells, these 30' x 20' rectangular excavations were dug to a depth of eight feet, supported by a heavy timber superstructure and covered with earth and sod.

Working around a powder magazine could be hazardous, especially to the untrained but enthusiastic soldier, as revealed in this passage by Joseph Barry, a local citizen: "A company of them ["the Hundred-Day Men from Ohio"] were preparing dinner and, not having anything convenient on which to build their fire, they procured from an ammunition wagon several large shells on while they piled their wood which was soon ablaze. ‘Round the fire they all squatted... Soon a terrific explosion shook the surrounding hills, sending all the culinary utensils flying over the tree tops and, unfortunately, killing or wounding nearly every man of the group.

Map Caption: Stone Fort Area Plan, by George Kaiser, January 1863. This map includes the Interior Fort's north wall. The five small squares with symbols represent artillery pieces and gun platforms abutting the wall. The small square next to the letter "M" indicates a powder magazine.