Tag: Fort Gaines DC

Fortwiki says: Fort Gaines (1861-1865) – A Union U.S. Civil War Fort established in 1861 in Northwest Washington DC. Named Fort Gaines in GO 18, 30 Sep 1861, possibly after Brigadier General Edmund Pendleton Gaines, War of 1812 Veteran. Fort abandoned in 1865 at the end of the war.

History

Established in August 1861 as a earthen fort with a perimeter of 171 yards and emplacements for six guns.

A 17 May 1864 report from the Union Inspector of Artillery noted the following: “Fort Gaines, Capt. Charles Maguire commanding.–Garrison, one company Seventh New York Heavy Artillery–5 commissioned officers, 1 ordnance-sergeant, 146 men. Armament, five 32-pounder barbette, one 4 – inch (rifled). Magazines, one; dry and in good order. Ammunition, full supply and serviceable. Implements, complete and serviceable. Drill in artillery, ordinary; needs improving. Drill in infantry, indifferent; needs improving. Discipline, indifferent. Garrison is of sufficient strength.”

The fort was abandoned in 1865 at the end of the war.