Civil War - Heavy artillery unit 1861 Postcard

Colorized photo from 1861 Original Title: Fort Richardson 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery Photographer: Unknown Location: Arlington, VA Fort Richardson was constructed by the Union army in September 1861, as a part of the Civil War defenses of Washington DC. The army built the fort shortly after its route at the First battle of Bull Run (Manassas) in the late July 1861. The fort was named after General Israel B. Richardson, whose division had been deployed to defend the City of Washington by way of the Columbia Turnpike. The fort had the highest fortification on the Arlington Line, took a position on the crest of a ridge. It had a perimeter of 316 yards, 15 locations for cannons, including a 100-pound Parrot rifle. After the war ended in 1865, the United States returned the many properties it took over to their rightful owners. Sometimes the US army would compensate for the use and the damage it took. Then they auctioned off the materials that made up the forts. Currently, there is very little of the base left. Located on the grounds of the Army Navy Country Club, in Arlington County, Va. The earthen south wall and ditches are well preserved, along with small scraps.