View of the Interior of Fort Stedman (May 1865)

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This Fort is constructed on the ground known as "Hare's Hill." The position was taken by Gibbons' division of the Second Corps during the general assault on the 17th of June, 1864. It was one of the most advanced positions of the Union troops during the entire siege of Petersburg. The distance between the two sides was not over six hundred feet, and between the respective picket lines not more than two hundred.
The center of the picture shows the parapet of the work and the manner in which the earth composing it is supported by the trunks of pines placed horizontally, then, by gabions and fascines, topped by sand bags. On the left the picture shows the exterior of the officer's quarters, and on the right a mound of earth, forming the outside covering of a powder magazine. The trees bear many marks of the compliments paid by the enemy during the almost daily severe artillery duels which took place between the two opposing armies during the long siege.

Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the Civil War - Plate 84