Washington, D.C. Fortifications and City Sections – 1862 Topographical Map

Washington, D.C. Fortifications and City Sections – 1862 Topographical Map Explore the nation’s capital at the height of the Civil War through this detailed 1862 topographical map of the District of Columbia and its surrounding defenses. Created as Washington became one of the most heavily fortified cities in the world, this map documents both the city’s internal layout and the extensive ring of forts constructed to protect it from Confederate attack. Historical Context By 1862, the survival of the Union hinged on the security of Washington, D.C. Following early Confederate successes and the proximity of enemy forces across the Potomac, federal authorities undertook an unprecedented defensive effort. More than sixty forts, batteries, and earthworks were constructed in a continuous perimeter around the capital, transforming it into a fortified stronghold. This map reflects that moment when Washington evolved from a vulnerable political center into a military command hub. It captures the