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Fort Harker

 


Fort Harker, located near Stevenson in northeastern Alabama, holds historical significance as a military fortification built by the Union Army during the American Civil War.   

Strategic Importance:

Constructed in the summer of 1862 by Union soldiers and formerly enslaved people of the Army of the Cumberland, Fort Harker was strategically positioned to control vital railroad lines. Stevenson sat at the junction of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad and the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad. By securing this location, the Union aimed to ensure the uninterrupted movement of their troops and supplies throughout southeastern Tennessee and northeastern Alabama. The fort's placement on a hill east of Stevenson allowed it to oversee the town, the crucial railroads, supply depots, and warehouses.  

In addition to the fort, the Union Army established a hospital and a refugee camp in Stevenson, further solidifying their presence and control of the area. This Union stronghold prevented Confederate forces from utilizing these railroads to defend Chattanooga and secured essential supply lines for the Army of the Cumberland.

Design and Features:

Fort Harker was a typical earthen redoubt of the Civil War era. It was square-shaped, measuring approximately 45 meters (148 feet) on each side. The walls were constructed of rammed earth, reaching a height of 4.3 meters (14 feet), and were surrounded by a dry moat 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) deep. The fort was armed with seven barbettes for heavy cannons and included a bomb-proof powder magazine for safe ammunition storage. Access to the fort was provided by a drawbridge that crossed the moat. At the center of the redoubt stood an eight-sided wooden blockhouse, offering a commanding view of the surroundings.

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