In my Saw the Elephant: Civil War blog, I have been writing about Fort Wool in Chesapeake Bay.
Built on an artificial island called the Rip Raps, its construction was a result of the ease that British forces were able to control the bay during the War of 1812. It never approached the projected size and was essentially a summer home for a couple U.S. presidents.
It also played a role in the Civil War, World Wars I and II and was an example of several stages of American homeland defense.
Interesting reading.
--Cooter
