Fort C.F. Smith (2)

 (1863-1865) - A Union U.S. Civil War fort established in 1863 in Arlington County, Virginia. Named for Major General Charles Ferguson Smith,, who was taken sick at Shiloh, after receiving a severe injury and died on 25 Apr 1862. The fort was abandoned in 1865 at the end of the war.

Fort C.F. Smith History


Constructed by Union Troops in early 1863.

Technically the fort was a lunette with a southern and western face, two flanks and two bastions on the north side. The fort was entered from the east by a connecting road to Fort Strong (1). The support buildings where the troops ate and slept were located east of the post. Those structures included barracks, mess halls, cook houses, officers quarters and a headquarters building.

A 17 May 1864 report from the Union Inspector of Artillery noted the following: "Fort C. F. Smith, Maj. W. A. McKay commanding.–Garrison, four companies Second New York Heavy Artillery–1 major, 15 commissioned officers, 1 ordnance-sergeant, 548 men. Armament, three 12-pounder field howitzers, two 6-pounder field guns-four 24-pounder siege guns, one 8-inch sea-coast howitzer, six 4_- inch ordnance, and four 8-inch siege mortars. Magazines, two; dry and in serviceable condition. Ammunition, full supply and well packed. Implements, complete and serviceable. Drill in artillery, very ordinary; wants improving much. Drill in infantry, insufficient; wants more energy and attention given to it. Discipline, great want of improvement. Garrison is sufficient."

The fort was abandoned in 1865 at the end of the war.

Current Status
The earthwork ruins at this park are among the best preserved ruins of the 22 forts that were located in Arlington during the U.S. Civil War. The ruins include the bomb proof, the fort well, the North magazine, and 11 of the 22 gun emplacements.

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

Sources:
 * , page 804
 * , page 804

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort C.F. Smith (2)
 * Arlington County Parks - Fort C.F. Smith
 * HMDB - Fort C.F. Smith Marker