Fortifications

The well-preserved but unrestored and completely overgrown remains of Fort Davis can be found in a park at Pennsylvania and Alabama Aves. SE. Built to protect the Navy Yard and the Navy Yard Bridge, the small fort was named for Colonel Benjamin Franklin “Grimes” Davis of the 8th New York Cavalry.

Davis led the daring escape of 1,600 Union horsemen from Harpers Ferry, VA, besieged by Confederate forces under Stonewall Jackson in September 1862, just prior to the Battle of Antietam. Davis was killed on June 9, 1862 at Beverly Ford, VA during the opening engagement of the Battle of Brandy Station, the war’s largest cavalry action.

The small fort was one of the first to be abandoned at the end of the war. The land was turned over to Daniel F. Lee who purchased the site from its original owner in 1864. He claimed $1,500 in damages and wanted the installation’s buildings as compensation. The government opposed his claim and the buildings were sold at auction. Mr. Lee did buy the fort’s abatis for $33.75.