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Fort Couch in Lemoyne, PA, across the Susquehanna River from Harrisburg, was one of the forts built in June of 1863 under the direction of General Darius Couch in response to the Confederate move toward Harrisburg. This site was then known as Hummel's Heights, now called Washington Heights. At the time the land was all open and farm land, with a spectacular view of the river and the city. (This view is still spectacular today!) 1/2 mile to the east of Fort Couch Fort Washington was built but it quickly became evident that the higher ground one-half mile to the west, if captured, would make Fort Washington undefendable. The earthworks visible here are the remains of Fort Couch, built in June 1863 as an advance position to ensure the defense of the larger fort to the east. Most of the construction of Fort Couch was done by railroad crews. Artillery pieces were mounted on wooden platforms behind the earthworks. Fort Couch is the only public site that preserves part of the once extensive defenses of Harrisburg. A Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission historical marker erected in 1953and a monument erected by the Camp Curtin Historical Society commemorate the fort. The area is built up now and there are some remains of Fort Washington still but all are on private property and not open to the general public.

(1-2007) Fort Couch Interpretive Marker
 
Remains of breastworks, at Eighth and Ohio Streets, built before the battle of Gettysburg, to oppose the expected Southern drive on Harrisburg, June 29, 1863, a few Confederate scouts neared here but withdrew

(1-2007) 2nd Fort Couch Interpretive Marker
 
Remains of breastworks built in June 1863 to oppose an expected attack on Harrisburg by Confederate troops. Site then known as Hummel's Heights. Fort was named for Gen. Couch, Commander Eastern Pennsylvania Military Department

(1-2007) Fort Couch, looking east

(1-2007) Another view of Fort Couch, looking east