Fort Johnson (5)

 (1863-1865) - A Union U.S. Civil War Fort established in 1863 in present day Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee. Named Fort Johnson after Andrew Johnson, military governor of Tennessee. The fort was abandoned by Union troops in 1867 after the end of the war and after Tennessee had returned to the Union. Also known as Camp Andy Johnson and Capitol Redoubt.

History of Fort Johnson
Brigadier General USV, James St. Clair Morton,, converted the Tennessee State Capitol Building into a strong fortification with a stockade of cedar logs surrounded the building, reinforced bales of cotton and earthen parapets. Fifteen pieces of heavy artillery were emplaced at strategic points around the Capitol. Several companies of infantry and artillery garrisoned the fort. Fort Johnson became the headquarters of the command.

"Capitol Hill.-Gen. Morton built some earth parapets and stockades around the capitol building large enough to mount fifteen guns and to give room for a regiment of infantry. The position has a good command over the country around, and, thus strengthened, was a good keep for the north portion of the city. No longer needed, the stockade is being removed at the request of the Legislature and by direction of the commanding general. Gen. Morton's line of defense successfully resisted Morgan's and Forrest's attacks during Buell's march into Kentucky. Afterward Nashville became a great depot, and public buildings, as hospitals, store-houses, and corrals, extended far beyond the limits of the city and necessitated a much longer defensive line."

The fort was abandoned by Union troops in 1867 after the end of the war and after Tennessee had returned to the Union.

Current Status
No remains and no markers.

See Also:
 * Nashville Defense System - U.S. Civil War

Sources:
 * , page 741.

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort Johnson