Imagine defending this isolated peninsula during the Civil War. There were threats from within (from thousands of prisoners) and from without (by Confederate soldiers trying to free their comrades or gain territory). What's more, a pro-Southern population surrounding the Point.

To meet this challenge, Union strategists devised a complex defense plan. They built three forts, a series of rifle pits and a gun battery, positioning them to catch enemies in a murderous crossfire. These defenses, bolstered by navy gunboats offshore, made Point Lookout virtually unassailable with the weapons of the day.

Fort #1
A four-gun redoubt - with 10-foot high walls and a 20-foot wide dry moat was built in the center of the peninsula to prevent uprisings from the prison pen.

Fort #2
Fort Lincoln was the main fortification and center for base activity.

Fort #3
Located about 100 yards offshore on the Chesapeake Bay side, Fort #3 was a manned, 4-gun earthen fort similar to Fort #1.

Caption of photo on lower right side of marker
Rifle pits protecting Point Lookout.

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Show me all markers in:  Scotland, MD  |  St Mary's County  |  20687  |  Maryland  |  United States of America

A Bustling Civil War Community
Shipwreck!
Fort Lincoln
John Wilkes Booth
Point Lookout State Park
Point Lookout-Hammond Hospital
A Crucial Point
Let There Be Light
"Contraband" Camp
A Seaside Resort at Point Lookout

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