Existing comment:
Capital Guardian: Fort Washington:
Building the Second Fort:
On September 8, 1814, only 12 days after the destruction of Fort Washington, Pierre L'Enfant was commissioned by the Government to re-establish a fortification here. Work began that October but increasing friction between L'Enfant and the Government caused suspension of the project in July 1815. Shortly thereafter, L'Enfant was replaced by Lt. Col. Walker K. Armistead. Completed in October 1824, at a cost of $426,000, this structure stood as the only permanent fortification protecting Washington through 1872.
Arming the Fort:
Brick platforms for artillery carriages were constructed in the 1840s and thirty 24-pounder guns were sent to the fort. With an effective range of 1901 yards, guns of this size could effectively control the river passage in front of the fort. In 1861, additional 24- and 32-pounder guns were sent to strengthen the armament of the fort. |