Battle of Fort Stevens, Washington, D.C. – 1864 Battle Map

Washington, D.C. – Battle of Fort Stevens, 1864 Battle Map

Experience the only Civil War engagement fought within the boundaries of the nation’s capital with this detailed 1864 battlefield map of the Battle of Fort Stevens. This historic military map documents Confederate General Jubal Early’s July 1864 incursion into Washington, D.C., and the Union defenses that ultimately protected the city and the federal government itself.

The Battle at the Capital’s Gates

This operational battlefield map illustrates the skirmishes fought on July 11–12, 1864, along the northern defensive ring of Washington, D.C. Centered on Fort Stevens and the surrounding fortifications, the map shows troop movements, defensive positions, roads, terrain, and landmarks across what is now Northwest Washington. Union fortifications, artillery placements, and infantry positions are carefully annotated, as are Confederate approach routes and probing attacks. The map reflects the defensive nature of the engagement, which consisted primarily of skirmishing rather than full-scale assaults.

Historical Significance

The Battle of Fort Stevens holds a unique place in American history as the only Civil War battle in which a sitting U.S. president came under enemy fire. President Abraham Lincoln personally rode out to observe the fighting from Fort Stevens and was reportedly exposed to Confederate fire—an extraordinary moment underscoring how close the war came to the nation’s political heart. Although militarily limited, the battle demonstrated the vulnerability of Washington and the effectiveness of its fort-based defenses. Early’s withdrawal shortly afterward ended the last Confederate threat to the capital and allowed Union forces to refocus on offensives elsewhere.

Museum-Quality Reproduction

This is a high-quality reproduction of the original 1864 battlefield map, professionally printed using museum-grade methods and materials to preserve every detail of this rare historical document.

Perfect For:

• Civil War and Washington, D.C. history enthusiasts

• Collectors of rare battlefield and fortification maps

• Students of urban warfare and defensive military planning

• Displays focused on the defense of the U.S. capital

• Gifts for history buffs and patriotic collections

Specifications:

• Battle Result: Union Victory

• Created / Published: 1864–1865

• Style: Hand-annotated battlefield and fortification map

• Features: Fort Stevens, Union defensive works, troop movements, roads, terrain, and skirmish locations

• Product Type: High-Quality Reproduction Print

Dimensions (Width x Height): 24 x 29

Each map is printed using the finest materials and methods. Your map will be handled with white gloves from start to finish. We use the Giclée printing method on Hahnemühle paper, which produces a clear, extremely detailed, durable map that is perfect to be proudly displayed in your home or office.

Digital watermark does not appear on your purchased map.