Civil War Defenses of Washington

Fort Davis (Fall Day)
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 17 of the original sites now managed by the National Park Service.
Map showing location of park.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln-Thomas Day
Join the National Park Service (NPS) on the historic grounds of Fort Stevens on Sept. 21, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln-Thomas Day. The NPS, in partnership with the Military Road School Preservation Trust (MRSPT), will mark this milestone with a day of history, music, and community.
Purple graphic with cartoon saxophone players. Graphic text says "Save the Date. September 7 Taste of DC. Additional dates include September 14, September 21."
Full lineup for this year’s Fort Dupont Park Summer Event Series!
Join us at the Fort Dupont Park amphitheater on Sept. 7, 14 and 21 at 7 p.m. for the 2024 Fort Dupont Park Summer Event Series! The National Park Service has announced the full lineup for this year’s performances.
Historic Fort Davis
Photo by NPS photo
Luminaries light a cemetery with a monument and homes in the background.
Photo by NPS/Phan
Park Ranger delivering a program to visitors.
Photo by NPS/S.Phan
NPS Park Sign for Fort Stevens
Photo by NPS
Historic image of Fort Totten on layered on modern image.
Photo by NPS