Fort Strong (1)

 (1861-1865) - A Union fortification established in 1861 during the U.S. Civil War as Fort DeKalb. Renamed after Major General George Crockett Strong, who was mortally wounded while leading a charge against Fort Wagner on Morris Island, Charleston Harbor, in July 1863. Decommissioned in 1865 at the end of the war.

History
Fort Strong was a lunette at the north end of the Arlington Line constructed in August 1861.

Fort Strong had a perimeter of 318 yards and emplacements for 15 guns. Armament included seven 24-pdr guns, one 24-pdr field howitzer, four 30-pdr Parrott rifles, one 6-pdr gun, and two 10-inch mortars.

A 17 May 1864 report from the Union Inspector of Artillery noted the following: "Fort Strong, Major Maguire commanding.–Garrison, three companies Second New York Heavy Artillery– 1 major, 10 commissioned officers, 1 ordnance-sergeant, 410 men. Armament, one 24-pounder field howitzer, five 24-pounder siege guns, one 6-pounder field gun, two 24-pounder howitzers, four 30-pounder Parrotts, and two 10-inch siege mortars. Magazines, two; not entirely dry, one recently repaired. Ammunition, full supply; serviceable condition. Implements, full sets; serviceable. Drill in artillery, indifferent; requires improving. Drill in infantry, very deficient; much labor is required to bring it to an efficient condition. Discipline, deficient; fault of the officer in command; he needs more energy and efficiency. Garrison is of sufficient strength."

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

Current Status
No remains, marker only.

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

Sources:
 * , page 824
 * , page 824

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort Strong
 * Historical Marker Database - Fort Strong