Fort Sumner (3)

 (1861-1865) - First established as three independent earthworks forts in 1861 during the U.S. Civil War in Montgomery County, Maryland. Fort Ripley (3), Fort Alexander (2) and Fort Franklin (4) combined into Fort Sumner in 1863. The individual forts were then classified as Redoubt Cross, Redoubt Davis and Redoubt Kirby respectively in 1864. Fort Sumner was named after Major General Edwin V. Sumner, who died at Syracuse, N. Y., 21 Mar 1863. Fort abandoned in 1865 at the end of the war.

Fort Sumner History
First established as three independent earthworks forts in 1861, Fort Ripley (3), Fort Alexander (2) and Fort Franklin (4). These three works were connected by earthworks and combined into Fort Sumner in 1863. The individual forts were then classified as Redoubt Cross, Redoubt Davis and Redoubt Kirby respectively in 1864. The combined fortifications had a perimeter of 840 yards and mounted 30 guns.

A 17 May 1864 report from the Union Inspector of Artillery noted the following: "Fort Sumner, Col. Daniel Chaplin commanding.–Garrison, six companies First Maine Heavy Artillery–1 colonel, 30 commissioned officers, I ordnance-sergeant, 868 men. Armament, six 6-pounder field guns, four 12- pounder field guns, eight 30-pounder barbette, three 8-inch siege howitzers, two Coehorn mortars, one 10-inch mortar, six 4_-inch rifled, two 100- pounder Parrotts. Magazines, two; only one of which is dry and in good condition. Ammunition, not a full supply; serviceable. Implements, full set and serviceable. Drill in artillery, fair. Drill in infantry, fair. Discipline, fair. Garrison is sufficient."

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

Current Status
Marker only remains, Montgomery County, Maryland

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

Sources:
 * , page 390.
 * 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 Sumner
 * Historical Marker Database - Fort Sumner