Fort Farnsworth

 (1862-1865) - A U.S. Civil War Fort first established as Redoubt B of Fort Lyon in 1862 in present day Alexandria, Fairfax County, Virginia. Named Fort Farnsworth in September 1863 after Brigadier General Elon J. Farnsworth, 8th Illinois Cavalry, who was killed at Gettysburg on 3 Jul 1863. Abandoned in 1865 at the end of the war.

History of Fort Farnsworth
Fort Farnsworth (originally Redoubt B of Fort Lyon (3)|Fort Lyon]]) was built by elements of the 34th Massachusetts Infantry under the direction of Captain William Bacon. The original redoubt was built with a perimeter of 255 yards enclosing one magazine, a bombproof and emplacements for 13 guns. Armament included four 24 pounders, two 12 pounder howitzers, four 4.5 inch ordnance rifles (2 vacant platforms).

A 17 May 1864 report from the Union Inspector of Artillery noted the following: "Fort Farnsworth, Major Campbell commanding.–Garrison, one company Tenth New York Heavy Artillery– 3 commissioned officers, 1 ordnance-sergeant, 128 men. Armament, two 12- pounder field howitzers (smooth), four 4-inch ordnance (rifled), four 24-pounder siege guns (smooth). Magazines, one; dry and in good order. Ammunition, full supply and good condition. Implements, complete and in good order. Drill in artillery, ordinary; needs improving. Drill in infantry, very indifferent; wants labor and attention to become efficient. Discipline, indifferent. Garrison of sufficient strength."

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

Current Status
No remains

See Also:
 * Fort Lyon
 * Fort Weed
 * Fort O'Rourke
 * Fort Willard
 * Arlington Line - U.S. Civil War
 * Washington DC Fort Ring
 * Washington DC Defense System - U.S. Civil War

Sources:
 * , page 801-802.
 * , page 64-65.

Links:
 * North American Forts - Fort Farnsworth