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 18 of the original sites now managed by the National Park Service.
Map showing location of park.
A view of a cannon firing demonstration
National Park Service seeks public input on the development of an updated management plan for the Civil War Defenses of Washington
The National Park Service (NPS) invites the public to share comments on the development of a Management Plan (Plan) update and a corresponding Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Civil War Defenses of Washington (CWDW) located in the District of Columbia; Fairfax County, Virginia; and Prince George’s County, Maryland.
National Park Service to restore recreation areas, including Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion, with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act
The National Park Service is improving 12 recreation areas across National Capital Parks – East with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund.
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