It was designed to primarily defend the open ravine on the west as it could have offered enough cover and convenient approach to the enemy.

It was recommended that "a platform for a siege gun should be made on the pan-coupe and platforms for field guns on the flanks, and merlons raised on faces [and that] a ditch should be made along the stockade of the gorge".

The owners at the time, Henry Vieth and Glenn E. Husted wrote in a letter that they would be more than happy to sell to the city it for a reasonable price of 10 cents per square foot if done quickly.

Congress failed to act and the Commission resubmitted a bill in 1908 with the price going up to 12 cents.

The Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds returned an adverse report and the fort was removed shortly after.