Fort Richardson, Arlington Line, Virginia.

Fort Richardson occupied the highest point on the Arlington Line. General John G. Barnard described the position as such:

“Fort Richardson occupies a very commanding position. It is small, but well built, well armed, and amply provided with bomb-proofs and maga zines. The ravines in front will be seen by the rifle-trenches in construction. A rifled 100-pounder is being placed in this work, which will sweep a sector from Fort Ellsworth to Fort DeKalb."

Fort Richardson was named in honor of Major General Israel B. Richardson. The Regular Army veteran's division occupied the area in 1861, construction the fort shortly after the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run). General Richardson was mortally wounded at the Battle of Antietam, succumbing to wounds on November 3, 1862.