Battles & Campaigns · 1864
Battle of Fort Stevens
Fort Stevens, Northwest Washington, D.C., USA
What happened
Early's army reached the edge of Washington, less than four miles from the White House. He waited because his troops were tired and he was unsure how strong the defences were, and meanwhile Union reinforcements arrived. After fighting on 12 July, Early decided he could not take the city.
Why it matters
Early's advance alarmed the U.S. government, but the delay cost him the time he needed. President Lincoln came out to watch and, according to many accounts, briefly came under fire.
What came next
Early withdrew to Virginia on 13 July. Battleground National Cemetery was opened nearby about two weeks later.
Did you know?
It is believed to be only the second time a sitting U.S. president came under enemy fire in wartime.
Timeline
- 11 Jul 1864Early reaches Fort Stevens.
- 12 Jul 1864Fighting at Fort Stevens; Lincoln watches.
- 13 Jul 1864Early crosses the Potomac into Virginia.
- 7 Nov 1911A memorial stone is dedicated at the fort.