This book details the history of the 42 masonry forts that made up the core of America's Third System of Fortifications. Defending our coastline for more than half of century, these architectural wonders were built from 1816 through 1867. These forts played defining roles during the American Civil War, many of them - Fort Sumter, Fort Pulaski, Fort Jackson, Fort Morgan - were sites of important Civil War battles, while others - Fort Jefferson, Fort Monroe, Fort Delaware - gained notoriety as prisons during that epic conflict. The forts of the Third System played an important role in the defense of America's shores, from the granite walls of Fort Knox on Maine's Penobscot River to the towering brick galleries of Fort Point on California's Golden Gate, from both the domestic and foreign threats during most of the 19th century.
The book begins with a study of the history of the Coastal Fortifications Board, which developed and implemented this massive defense project. It then details the art of fortification of that period and describes the particular architectural components that were key to their design. A description of the development of the system over its 50-year life is followed by an analysis of how well certain forts held up under attack during the American Civil War. Approximately two-thirds of this volume is dedicated to a fort-by-fort description of the system. The overall defensive scheme for each harbor is discussed, then each fort in that harbor is analyzed. The author uses unique photographs and drawings to answer many of the questions about of these forts that today's visitors ask. The book also documents the current status of these historic forts, including information about how to visit these forts today.
Heavily illustrated with more than 200 photographs and drawings, this softbound book is the product of over 20 years of research by its author, John Weaver. The 8-1/2" x 11" book contains 245 pages of text, maps, drawing, and photographs. A Legacy in Brick and Stone is the first book to provide a full treatment of the magnificent American Third System. It is an important addition to the body of knowledge of this period of history and a must for any serious student of fortifications or the American Civil War.