"Mr. Lincoln's Forts" Topic

I just got this book Wednesday and I have to say I am very happy with it. link

Basically it is a tour of the defenses of Washington DC from the ACW. The author is a NPS ranger and gives quite a bit of information on the forts. There are lots of drawings of the forts and quite a few pictures where they were available. It also lists the units that were assigned to the forts and their dates of service there. There is no overall map, which is disappointing. The description of how to find the locations is also somewhat cryptic, in that they are driving directions from the previous fort listed. Living in the area, I do plan to try and do a drive to all the locations and check out what it looks like now and take pictures. Might be fun. I have been to quite a few of the sites, but I had no idea how many there really were.

I do know the City of Alexandria library system sells a copy of a map of the defenses of Washington DC from the period, so I may need to pick that up for the big picture.

On a side note, I had previously asked here about the 15th NY Heavy Artillery and if anyone had any ideas about where to look for more info. Well the unit is listed, right down to the company, including dates, in the book. The book also notes that a lot of information can be found at the DC Civil War Defenses library at the Fort Ward research library, which is on the second floor of the Fort Ward Museum. I have dispatched my friend to check it out. She is thrilled to have another source to check out.

link

Check this site out for sources on the 15th NYHA

Frank Cooling's book is a real gem. Great book.

I have the map that I bought at Ft. Ward years ago. I'm pretty sure they still have it. The book is getting hard to find though. I bought my copy there also, for around $25. USD A great read!

Fort Washington is pretty cool. I did a living history event there and it is pretty much intact!