New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-09
AT MUNSON'S HILL.
THE FAMOUS EMINENCE OPPOSITE
WASHINGTON AGAIN OCCUPIED
A SCENE OF MILITARY OPERATIONS DURING THE
CIVIL. WAR
rsY TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRIBUNE

CIVIL WAR
rsY TELEGRAPH TO THE rnIBUNBl
Washington. May 8.-Munson's Hill Is a tract
Of land across the Potomac from Washington.
which has been selected on the accommodation
OF General Miies as the site for the grand camp
to be established for the accommodation or the
twenty thousand thirty thousand United
States soldiers who are 10 be concentrated near
the capital city. II is the highest point In that
magnificent mesa" In Fairfax County Va. on
which Arlington and Fort Myer are the north
ern portions. This high plateau constitutes an
ideal situation for camping and for military ex-
ercises
General J. G Barnard Of the United States
Engineer Corps. In his interesting and valuable
Report on the Defences OF Washington, De-
scribng the Typographical Features Which Gov
erned the Location OF the Defensive Works as
They Were Gradually Developed Into the De
fences Of Washington" indicates the nature Of
the site Munson Hill which Ia again 70 be
marked in American history. General Bar
nard says.
Beginning nearly opposite Georgetown and
continuing to Alexandria. there is marginal
terrace corresponding to that forming the site
Of the city of Washington. narrow at first. but
soon expanding 10 considerable width. Rcceding
from the river. this terrace Is succeeded by an
abrupt rise 70 an elevation OF about two hun
dred feet Opposite Washington The elevation
which has Just been mentioned takes the name
OF the Heights OF Arlington. From the Heights
Of Arlington the Executive Mansion and the
extensive buildings occupied by the State.
Treasury War and Navy departments are but
little over two miles distant. Four miles west
OF Arlington is a cluster OF commanding heights
lying between Four-M Mile Run and a tributary
OF Hunting Creek. which forms a position OF
certain military Importance.
The point alluded to Is central nearly. TO the
concave line OF defensive works from the Chain
Bridge TO Hunting Greek. 1t was first occupied
by General Mcdowell. preparatory to his ad-
vance to attack the insprgent forces near
Manassas Junction. Soon after the retreat Of his
army into Washington 1t was occupied
advanced position by the rebels On their with
drawal therefrom in October. 1861, II was taken
possession Of and fortified by General Mcclellan.
the works called Fort Ramsey. Fort Buffalo
and Munson's Hill. besides connecting
trenches. batteries. etc. being thrown up. These
works. though always thereafter maintained
were not. properly speaking. a part of the de
fences Of Washington" In case Of retreat OF
forces from Virginia upon Washington the
holding of this position temporarily or perma-
nently might he Of high importance as It GER
tainly would be- with the above or other ante
cedents. should a battle be delivered in this
vicinity outside OF the fortified line. Under or
binary circumstances a cavalry picket sup
ported by few companies OF infantry occupied
the point
Munson's Hill is about five miles from the
White House and Treasury. State War and
Navy departments Near It are the famous
Carln Springs Bailey's Cross Roads and Balls
Cross Roads. well remembered by the soldiers
Of 1S6l-'65 who were on duty in the vicinity Of
the National capital Munsons Hill In only a
short distance back OF Arlington Heights and
Is said 10 have been the nearest point to the
National capital on which the Confederate flag
was raised by hostile forces The Confederate
flag on Jacksons Tavern. IN Alexandria. the
lowering OF which cost Colonel Ellsworth his
life at the hands OF Jackson. was the property
Of a private citizen. and did not represent the
organized hgting force OF the enemy.