Fort Mahan

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Fort Mahan (1861-1865) - A Union U.S. Civil War fort constructed in 1861 in Northeast Washington DC. Named for Dennis H. Mahan (Cullum 361), Professor of Engineering at the United States Military Academy (1832-1871). Abandoned in 1865 at the end of the war.

Fort Mahan Park Sign
Fort Mahan Earthworks Lined with Trees
Fort Mahan Overgrown Earthworks

History

One of the ring of Union fortifications surrounding Washington DC during the U.S. Civil War, see Washington DC Fort Ring.

Fort Mahan Interpretive Sign

Established in 1861 to guard the approaches to Benning's Bridge across the Anacostia River. The fort was irregular in shape with nine sides and a perimeter of 354 yards mounting 22 guns. Structures included a guard house, two barracks, officer's quarters and a mess house. Outworks included Battery Mahan

A 17 May 1864 report from the Union Inspector of Artillery noted the following: "Fort Mahan.–Garrison, one company Unattached Heavy Massachusetts Artillery–1 ordnance- sergeant. Armament, three 12-pounder field guns, four 15-inch Rodman, four 24-pounder F. D. howitzers, two 8-inch siege howitzers, one Coehorn mortar, one 10-inch siege mortar, three 30-pounder Parrotts. Magazines, two; dry and in good order. Ammunition, full supply and serviceable. Implements, complete and serviceable."

Abandoned in 1865 at the end of the war.

Current Status

Fort Mahan Park in Northeast Washington DC. Some overgrown remains of the earthworks, several markers.


USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) Database Entry: 1680854


Location: Fort Mahan Park in Northeast Washington DC.

Maps & Images

Lat: 38.8944444 Long: -76.9441667

  • Multi Maps from ACME
  • Maps from Bing
  • Maps from Google
  • Elevation: 154'

See Also:

Sources:

Links:

Visited: 25 May 2013


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