Fort Richardson
Fort Richardson was one of 38 forts on the Virginia side of the Potomac River. Twenty-two made up an outer defense for Washington, DC, known as the Arlington Line.
At the Army Navy Country Club, one can still see the remnants of a Civil War earthwork fortification called Fort Richardson. It shares the strategic high ground with the ninth hole green.
Fort Richardson was one of 38 forts on the Virginia side of the Potomac River. Twenty-two made up an outer defense for Washington, DC, known as the Arlington Line. The Union Army built the fort shortly after its rout at the First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) in late July 1861. The fort was named after General Israel B. Richardson, whose division had been deployed to defend the City of Washington against attack by the Columbia Turnpike.
Fort Richardson was one of the highest fortifications on the Arlington Line and occupied a commanding position on the crest of a ridge protecting the Union's left flank. The fortification was a detached redoubt with a perimeter of 316 yards and emplacements for 15 guns. Armament included six 24-pounder cannon, two 24-pounder field howitzers, three 30-pounder Parrott rifles, one 10" mortar, one 24-pounder Coehorn mortar, and one 100-pounder Parrott rifle. The fort enclosed 15 gun platforms, two magazines, and a bombproof.
General John Barnard, the Chief Engineer of the Defenses of Washington, described it as a "small, inclosed, polygonal work." Its location on a high crest provided a commanding view and enabled it to rain artillery fire on any enemy advancing via the Colombia Turnpike. Even today, its location offers a superb view of the Potomac and downtown Washington.
A May 17, 1864 report from the Union Inspector of Artillery noted the following: "Fort Richardson, Major Trumbull commanding.–Garrison, three companies First Connecticut Heavy Artillery–1 major, 12 commissioned officers, one ordnance- sergeant, 412 men. Armament: two 24-pounder field howitzers, six 24-pounder siege (smooth), one 100-pounder rifled Parrott, three 30-pounder rifled Parrotts, two 24-pounder Coehorn mortars, and one 10-inch mortar. Magazines, two: dry and in good order. Ammunition, full supply, and serviceable. Implements are complete and in good order. Drill in artillery, fair. Drill in infantry, fair. Discipline, fair. Garrison sufficient for the work."
The fort was abandoned in 1865 at the end of the war.
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