Battle of Fort Stevens and Lincoln's Presence (July 1864)

On July 11–12, 1864 Confederate forces under General Jubal Early attacked Fort Stevens on the northern defenses of Washington, D.C., the only Civil War battle fought within the District's boundaries. President Abraham Lincoln traveled from the nearby Soldiers' Home and came under enemy fire while observing the battle; historians debate whether he was directly targeted during the engagement. Lincoln had been staying at the Soldiers' Home (now President Lincoln's Cottage) at the time and used that site as his headquarters on some occasions.