Fort Greble and Fort Carroll

Battery Carroll was named after Samuel Sprigg Carroll, a native Washingtonian and West Point grad.

The Library of Congress

Quick Facts

Location:

Washington, DC

Significance:

Civil War Fort

Designation:

National Park

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Fort Greble and Fort Carroll were constructed as part of the Eastern Branch Defenses (Anacostia River) that guarded the gateway to Washington during the Civil War.

According to Brigadier General John G. Barnard, Chief Engineer, "the chain of works (ten in all) from Fort Meigs to Fort Greble occupies the summit of the ridge between the Eastern Branch and Oxon Creek from almost all points at which, in this distnace of 6 miles, an enemy can bring batteries to bear upon the navy-yard or arsenal."

Fort Greble was constructed as an octagonal redoubt with a perimeter of 350 years. Construction began in September 1861, but was not formally complete until 1864. The fort mounted 17 cannons and mortars. The earthwork was named in honor of Lieutenant John T. Greble, killed at the Battle of Big Bethel in Virginia on July 10, 1861. 

The two sites were located on densely wooded land, thereby providing sufficient lumber for the construction of the Fort Greble. Their plateau locations enabled them to lay down a withering cross-fire between them. To deter the possible advance of the enemy through the wooded hills surrounding the sites, civilian construction gangs cleared paths which could be raked from the guns of the forts

Duration:

2 minutes, 5 seconds

An overview of the Civil War Defenses of Washington, the roles of Fort Stevens and other forts in the Civil War, and how park visitors can experience these places today.