Fort DuPont (2)

 (1861-1865) - A Union U.S. Civil War fort established in 1861 in Southeast Washington DC. Named after Flag Officer Samuel F. du Pont, who commanded the naval victory at Port Royal, South Carolina, in November 1861. Fort abandoned after the war in 1865.

Fort DuPont
A Union U.S. Civil War earthworks fort with six sides, each 100 feet long, surrounded by a deep moat. The fort was established in the Fall of 1861 on the east side of the Anacostia River. It guarded the Eleventh Street bridge over the Anacostia River near the Washington Navy Yard.

A 17 May 1864 report from the Union Inspector of Artillery noted the following: "Fort Du Pont, Lieut. Marcus Conant commanding.–Garrison, one-half company Ninth Unattached Company Massachusetts Artillery-1 commissioned officer, 1 ordnance-sergeant, and 29 men. Armament, two 6-pounder field guns, three 24-pounder barbette, three 8-inch siege howitzers, one Coehorn mortar. Magazines, one; dry and in good order. Ammunition, full supply and serviceable. Implements, complete and serviceable."

The fort was abandoned after the war in 1865.

Current Status
Part of Dupont Circle Park. In the 1930s, National Capital Planning Commission acquired the old fort and surrounding land for the park. The only traces of the fort today are the earthworks that can be seen at the center of the one way loop drive. The bronze plaque and the NPS sign are located inside the loop drive at the north end of the fort.

See Also:
 * Washington DC Fort Ring
 * Washington DC Defense System - U.S. Civil War

Sources:
 * , page 135
 * NPS Civil War Defenses of Washington - Appendix E: General Reports About the Defenses
 * NPS Civil War Defenses of Washington - Appendix E: General Reports About the Defenses

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort DuPont (2)
 * NPS - Fort DuPont (2)