The fort where Abraham Lincoln faced enemy fire in 1864

Fort Massachusetts was constructed in 1861 as part of a defensive ring around Washington, D.C. Following the Union Army's defeat at Bull Run, the city's defenses were expanded to include 68 forts, 93 batteries, and 32 miles of military roads, making it the most heavily fortified city in the world at the time. The specific site served as a guard for the Seventh Street Turnpike and was enlarged in 1862 to accommodate 19 guns.

In September 1861, Union troops took possession of a property owned by Elizabeth Proctor Thomas and her siblings to build Fort Massachusetts. Soldiers destroyed her home, barn, orchard, and garden to establish the fortification. Thomas later told stories of a man in black, often identified as Abraham Lincoln, who told her she would reap a great reward for the loss of her home. She eventually received $1,835 in compensation for the property in 1916.

During the Battle of Fort Stevens in July 1864, Confederate forces under Maj. Gen. Jubal Early advanced on the capital. On July 11 and 12, Union soldiers engaged the Confederate cavalry and sharpshooters. During the engagement, Abraham Lincoln rode out to observe the attack and was briefly under enemy fire. On July 12, he was brusquely ordered to take cover, likely by Union Maj. Gen. Horatio Wright. Confederate soldiers eventually retreated, leaving behind 101 wounded men.

Today, the site is maintained by the National Park Service Civil War Defenses of Washington. It contains a stone memorial dedicated in 1911 and remains of a magazine and parapet restored in the 1930s. The site also holds the remains of 41 Union soldiers who died during the battle.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons