- Fort Harker (Alabama)
Infobox nrhp
name = Fort Harker
nrhp_type =
caption =
location = South of AL 117
nearest_city =Stevenson, Alabama
lat_degrees = 34
lat_minutes = 52
lat_seconds = 10
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 85
long_minutes = 49
long_seconds = 55
long_direction = W
area =
built = 1862
architect =
architecture =
added =May 2 ,1977
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
refnum = 77000205
mpsub =
governing_body = LocalFort Harker, located near Stevenson,
Alabama , was a militaryfortification built by the Union Army during theAmerican Civil War . Constructed in the summer of 1862 bysoldier s and freed slaves of theArmy of the Cumberland , the fort helped secure strategicrailroad lines to ensure the free movement of Union troops and supplies in southeasternTennessee and northeastern Alabama. Union GeneralWilliam Rosecrans established his headquarters at Fort Harker in July, 1863, from where he directed a successful campaign against the position of Confederate GeneralBraxton Bragg in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The fort would be abandoned after the war and fall into disrepair. After restoration, the site became a city park in 1985.History
Fort Harker was built to defend a strategic position captured by Union troops in northeastern Alabama. Situated atop a hill east of the town of Stevenson, it was constructed in the summer of 1862 by soldiers and freed slaves of the Army of the Cumberland, commanded by Union General William Rosecrans. Stevenson was located at the junction for the
Memphis and Charleston Railroad and theNashville and Chattanooga Railroad . The location of the fort placed it within firing range of the town, railroads, supply depots, andwarehouse s.Stevenson Railroad Depot Museum (2006). [http://www.stevensondepotmuseum.com/fortharker.html Fort Harker] . Retrieved Aug. 10, 2006.] In addition to Fort Harker, the Union Army established ahospital and arefugee camp in the town. The Union position would prevent Confederate troops from using the railroads in the defense of Chattanooga and secure critical supply lines for the Army of the Cumberland.The design of the fort is typical of many built during the American Civil War. The fort was constructed as a square earthen redoubt, 45 meters (150 feet) on a side. The walls were constructed of rammed earth 4.3 meters (14 feet) high, surrounded by a 2.5 meter (8 foot) deep dry
moat . The fort was armed with sevenbarbette s for heavycannon , and a bomb-proof powder magazine.Payette, Pete (2006). [http://www.geocities.com/naforts/alnorth.html Northern Alabama] . Retrieved Aug. 10, 2006.] Access to the fort was bydraw bridge across the moat. An eight-sided woodenblockhouse was situated at the center of the redoubt.General Rosecrans established his headquarters at Fort Harker in July, 1863, from where he directed a successful campaign against the position of Confederate General
Braxton Bragg and theArmy of Tennessee in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After the decisive defeat of the Confederate Army, Rosecrans failed to vigorously pursue his enemy. Bragg and his troops retreated in an orderly fashion southeast into Georgia, where Rosecrans and Bragg would meet again in theBattle of Chickamauga .Golden, Randy and Col. Taylor, Samuel (2006). [http://ourgeorgiahistory.com/wars/Civil_War/Chickamauga/chickamauga_02.html "Chickamauga: Prelude, December, 1862 - September, 1863"] . [http://ourgeorgiahistory.com/ "Our Georgia History"] . Retrieved Aug. 10, 2006.] The Union army at Chickamauga was soundly defeated and all but routed, forcing Rosecrans and his men to retreat back to Chattanooga. Besieged by Confederate troops, Rosecrans was relieved of his command by GeneralUlysses S. Grant , who placed GeneralGeorge H. Thomas in command. The Battle of Chattanooga began onNovember 24 ,1963 , and the Union victory would secure southeastern Tennessee and northeastern Alabama, including Fort Harker, for the duration of the war.Fort Harker was abandoned at the end of the American Civil War. It fell into disrepair, and was used by local residents for agricultural purposes, including
garden s and hogfarming . Excavation of the site for historical preservation began in 1976. Restoration of the site for public access began in 1985. Repairs to the fort addressed damage cause bymountain bike riders and the use of the fort walls for target practice by the Stevenson Police Department.Geography
Fort Harker is located at coor dms|34|52|10|N|85|49|55|W|city (34.869442, -85.831829), near the present-day town of Stevenson, Alabama. It is at a hilltop site near
Crow Creek .Park
Fort Harker is managed as a city park by the City of Stevenson, Alabama. In addition to the historic redoubt, a
wildlife observation platform has been built providing scenic views of nearby Crow Creek. The fort is on theNational Register of Historic Places . An historical marker has been placed at the fort by theAlabama Historical Commission .References
;Cited References
External links
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/auvet/189720527/ Fort Harker Historical Marker] - Alabama Historical Commission
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/auvet/189720529/ Image of Fort Harker]
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