Fort DeRussy and its Civil War-era earthworks

Fort DeRussy was an American Civil War-era fortification constructed in 1861 on a hilltop along the west bank of Rock Creek within Washington, D.C, as part of the Defenses of Washington. The fort was a trapezoidal earthwork with a perimeter of 190 yards and places for 13 guns. It also featured supporting rifle pits and abatis in the Rock Creek streambed.

The site was named for Gustavus A. DeRussy or his father, René Edward DeRussy. During the nearby Battle of Fort Stevens in July 1864, the fort provided support by contributing a large amount of cannon fire. Its 100-pounder Parrott rifle was particularly effective during the battle, firing 32 rounds.

Today, the grounds of the fort are administered by the U.S. National Park Service as part of Rock Creek Park in the northern portion of the District of Columbia. The fort's parapet and dry moat are in a good state of preservation. Remnants of powder magazines are still visible, and lines of infantry trenches that protected the fort are still present nearby.

The site is heavily wooded and is easily reached by a trail from the west bank of the creek north of Military Road. This road was so-called because it connected the ring of defensive installations around the capital.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons