Battleground Cemetery

History: On July 11-12, 1864, Fort Stevens was the focal point of a Confederate attack by Gen. Jubal Early with his force of 15,000 soldiers. Defended by a meager force of convalescents, quartermaster employees and 100 day militia volunteers, Fort Stevens held back an attack by Confederate skirmishers on July 11. Reinforcements from the Union 6th and the 19th Corps on the second day checked and turned back the only Confederate threat against Washington, D.C., during the war. Approximately 900 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing. Battleground Cemetery, which was dedicated by President Lincoln soon after the battle, contains the graves of 40 Union soldiers who died in defense of Fort Stevens.

More to Explore: Check out Fort Stevens Park, where you can see the old defenses and cannons that once guarded the capital. You might even be able to catch a re-enactment of the events that took place here! Rock Creek Park is nearby, which is an oasis of forested natural beauty in our nation’s capital. Soothe your spirit by walking a trail amid the majestic trees, wild animals, and the ebb and flow of Rock Creek. If you're visiting during the summer, Fort Reno Park, the highest point in the city, is a great place to unwind and attend free concerts. While in the area, don't miss out on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., home to iconic monuments, beautiful museums, and rich history. Play outside, enjoy the sights, or expand your mind.

Photo Credits:

1. "District of Columbia. Officers and men of Company F, 3d Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, in Fort Stevens." Courtesy of Library of Congress.
2. "District of Columbia. Detachment of Company K, 3d Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, by guns of Fort Stevens." Courtesy of Library of Congress.
3. "Washington, District of Columbia. Officers of 3d Regiment Massachusetts Heavy Artillery at Fort Stevens." Courtesy of Library of Congress.
4. "Jubal Early." Courtesy of Library of Congress.