In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln toured Fort Foote to inspect its cutting-edge military technology, including 1,416 feet of earthen walls and two 25-ton Rodman Guns. The fort was named for Rear Admiral Andrew Hull Foote, who died in 1863 and was known for heroic actions on the Mississippi River. Built on a very steep bluff 100 feet high, four miles from Alexandria and eight from Washington, it was intended to be the only defense between Fort Washington and the District line and became one of the very largest forts in the cordon that encircled the city.