Fort DeRussy

Built in 1861 to protect the Rock Creek Valley during the Civil War, Fort DeRussy fired 109 projectiles into the northern countryside as 12,000-15,000 Confederate soldiers under General Jubal Anderson Early attacked the city on July 11-12, 1864. During this two day battle, known as the Battle of Fort Stevens, Fort DeRussy aided the surrounding forts by providing the main suppressive fire to help ensure a Union victory. Its largest armament was the 100-Pound Parrott Rifle, which could hurl 100 pound projectiles several miles into the Maryland countryside. During the Battle of Fort Stevens, Fort DeRussy halted the Confederate advance into the city by firing this deadly and accurate cannon 28 times.

Washington, District of Columbia · United States