Fort Russell (6)

 (1861-1862) - A U.S. Civil War Fort established in 1861 on Roanoke Island, Dare County, North Carolina. Also Known as Fort Defiance and the "Three-Gun Battery". Captured by Union forces in 1862 and destroyed.

History
Established in 1861 by Confederate forces as an inland fort or redboubt on Roanoke Island designed to block the only north-south road. The road was narrow and flanked on both sides by salt water marshes. The three guns of the Confederate battery covered the road and a four or five acre clearing in front of it. The salt water marshes on the flanks were thought to be impenetrable.

Battle of Roanoke Island
After capture Fort Russell was found to be armed with three guns, all on field-carriages; a 24-pounder Dahlgren howitzer, an 18-pounder field-gun, and a 12-pounder along with a large supply of ammunition in caissons.

Current Status
Marker and some earthworks remains.

See Also:
 * Fort Bartow
 * Fort Huger
 * Fort Blanchard
 * Civil War Defenses of Roanoke Island

Sources:
 * , page 613.
 * Merrill, James M., The Rebel Shore, Little Brown & Company, Boston-Toronto, 1957, Public Domain (On Bill Thayer's Website), Chapter 5, page 82-99.
 * New York Times Archive - The Burnside Expedition 15 Feb 1862, page 1.

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort Russell
 * NPS - Battle of Roanoke Island