On the Far North end of CUA’s campus (behind Marist Hall), on a slight knoll now covered with trees stands the former site of Fort Slemmer, a Civil War Fort. The actual site is across the street in the trees, inaccessible to foot traffic. Please do not try to explore this area.
Like the other forts built in D.C., Fort Slemmer’s purpose was to defend the Capital from Confederate forces in the surrounding states of Virginia and Maryland. While this fort may not have seen any direct combat, many of its soldiers left to Pennsylvania in order to help repel General Lee’s advance in June 1863.
Sadly, all that remains of this fort are some barely discernable ruins and a few stray bullets found in the undergrowth.
For the broader narrative, click here.