Presented by Steve Phan – National Park Service
Location: UNT Health Science Center, MET Building Rm. 109-111, 1000 Montgomery Street, Fort Worth, TX 76109
Dinner: 6PM (Menu: Lasagna, Sausage and Beef, Caesar Salad, Bread Sticks and Dessert – $15. To RSVP respond to this announcement or call or text Jim Rosenthal at 817-307-9263.)
Program: 7 PM
By 1865, Washington DC was surrounded. On the high hills, long ridges, and flat plateaus that encircled the capital of the United States was an elaborate system of fortifications. Now, as the Civil War approached its bloody conclusion, 68 major forts supported by 93 detached batteries mounting over 900 guns and connected by 32 miles of military roads made Washington one of the most heavily fortified cities in the world. The Defenses of Washington evolved throughout the course of the war, expanding in size, scope, and firepower in direct response to the campaigns occurring around the city.
Steve T. Phan is a Park Ranger and the Chief of Interpretation at Camp Nelson National Monument. He served previously as the historian at the Civil War Defenses of Washington. He has also worked at Gettysburg National Military Park. Richmond National Battlefield Park, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, Stones River National Battlefield, Rock Creek Park, and Buffalo Soldiers National Monument. A military history scholar of the Civil War era, Phan’s research focuses on military occupation, operational command, and fortifications during the Civil War. He is the author of articles about Asians and Pacific Islanders in the Civil War and the Defenses of Washington for numerous publications. He was nominated for the National Park Service Tilden Award for Excellence in Interpretation in 2019 and 2020. He holds a Master’s degree in American History from Middle Tennessee State University.