Fort Stanton
Fort Stanton is a part of the National Park Service's Fort Circle Park System.
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Construction of Fort Stanton began in September 1861 to defend the Navy Yard. By October 22, the fort was completed and platforms were laid for ten 32-pounders, though none of the guns had been received. Fort Stanton's perimeter of 322 yards was to be armed with 18 guns. A garrison of 483 men would man the fort. By February 1862, the fort was fully gunned and garrisoned by companies of the 4th New York Heavy Artillery Regiment and the 88th Pennsylvania Infantry.
Fort Stanton was named in honor of Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Stanton resigned from this position in May 1868, and returned to his private practice as a lawyer. His wish to sit on the Supreme Court appeared to be fulfilled when President Grant appointed him, and the Senate confirmed him on the same day, December 20, 1868. He died four days later in Washington, D.C.
DC Inventory: November 8, 1964 (Joint Committee on Landmarks)
National Register: July 15, 1974, revised September 13, 1978
Within Civil War Fort Sites and Fort Circle Park Historic District
