After occupying Little Rock Sept. 10, 1863, Union officials made plans to fortify the capital city. Construction began Nov. 9 on a square redoubt intended to command the city and all principal approaches. The resulting earthwork, named Fort Steele, became the central point in a network of batteries and rifle pits built to defend Little Rock from Confederate attack. Bristling with cannon and manned by veteran Union infantrymen, it apparently did its job well, as Confederate forces never mounted an offensive to retake Little Rock.