Civil War at the Southwest Waterfront
Private river commerce along the waterfront was disrupted during the Civil War when Washington became the headquarters and supply center of the Union Army. Wharves were appropriated for military purposes, and Water Street was opened and paved for military traffic. New wharves and warehouses were built along the waterfront to accommodate military shipping needs, and soldiers arrived and departed from the waterfront.
https://www.wharfdc.com/