What was the Civil War battle that was visible from the capital?

Sampiro · February 4, 2009, 9:06pm

I’m having a brain block. It wasn’t either of the Bull Run battles (they were close to the capital) or anything that major, but it was so close people in D.C. (including Lincoln) could actually mount scaffolds and watch the fighting, but I can’t remember the name. Anyone know it offhand?

silenus · February 4, 2009, 9:13pm

Cool Spring

scm1001 · February 4, 2009, 9:14pm

Fort Stevens? http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/dch_tourism2555/dch_tourism.htm?doc_id=44223&area=2527

lieu · February 4, 2009, 9:15pm

Are you talking about the Battle of Fort Stevens where Confederate sharpshooters fired at Lincoln?

mack · February 4, 2009, 9:41pm

The Cool Spring battlefield in that link is along the Shennandoah river between Rt 7 and the W. VA border. Nice area, but not within viewing range of a scaffold set up in DC.

silenus · February 4, 2009, 9:44pm

Yep. I know after checking twice. Oh, well. The others got it right.

Sampiro · February 4, 2009, 9:51pm

Thanks all! Love the Dope.

paperbackwriter · February 4, 2009, 9:56pm

Longer summary of the battle, including park information.

mlees · February 4, 2009, 10:10pm

If I recall reading correctly, the First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) had civilian spectators:

The battle occured about 25 miles from the Capitol.