Park Site

Civil War Defenses of Washington

Washington · District of Columbia

Overview

About Civil War Defenses of Washington.

On forested hills surrounding the nation's capital are the remnants of a complex system of Civil War fortifications. These strategic buttresses transformed the young capital into one of the world's most fortified cities. By 1865, 68 forts and 93 batteries armed with over 800 cannons encircled Washington, DC. Today, you can visit 18 of the original sites now managed by the National Park Service.

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Key Facts

TypePark Site

Official Website

Gallery

Photos of Civil War Defenses of Washington.

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Things to do

Discover Civil War Defenses of Washington.

Two National Park Service interns show their passport stamp collection at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps

5-10 Minutes

Start your stamp collection and celebrate every park you visit! Explore historic sites and scenic parks managed by National Capital Parks - East and collect a unique stamp at each one.

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A brown and white sign with a trail in the background.

Hike the Northern Loop in Rock Creek Park

120 Minutes

Enjoy an easy 5-mile round trip hike around the northern section of Rock Creek Park.

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Two Junior Rangers display their Junior Ranger badge collections at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East

30-90 Minutes

Become a Junior Ranger at parks across National Capital Parks – East! Explore, complete a booklet, and earn badges and certificates along the way!

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Watch an Artillery Demonstration at Fort Washington Park

15-90 Minutes

Ever wonder how Civil War cannons were fired? Visit the park the first Sunday of every month from May to November to watch the Fort Washington Guard demonstrate and explain the procedures used during the muzzle-loading era of American Artillery.

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