15. The Battle of Fort Stevens
The Battle of Fort Stevens, fought from July 11-12, 1864, was a unique engagement during the Civil War, notably for President Abraham Lincoln’s presence under direct enemy fire. Located near Washington, D.C., this battle was part of Confederate General Jubal Early’s raid into the North.
Early’s forces aimed to attack the capital and divert Union troops from the Southern campaigns. However, Union reinforcements arrived in time to repel the Confederate assault. Lincoln, watching from the fort’s parapet, famously came under fire, emphasizing the battle’s proximity to the nation’s heart. The engagement underscored the vulnerability of the capital and marked the last Confederate attempt to threaten Washington directly.
