|
|
Article: Land Shields Legacy From Civil War; Fort in Arlington Defended Washington
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- August 14, 1994
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
|
Almost in spite of themselves, the carved green ridges
overlooking Arlington's Spout Run Parkway are a valued piece of
Civil War history.
For two years, Fort C.F. Smith was part of one of the most
elaborate defense systems of its time, a 37-mile perimeter
protecting Washington. Until the fall of Richmond, Union soldiers
manned 19 cannons, maintaining a constant vigil against a
Confederate invasion.
Then the soldiers left. Weeds and trees gradually covered the
fort. A public street plowed through a third of it. And except for
a historic marker, itself framed in foliage, the fort was largely
forgotten.
Now, Arlington officials are hoping to restore Fort Smith to
its rightful place ...