Alert: Battery Kemble Park Parking Area Closed Until Further Notice

Civil War Defenses of Washington

Historic Fort Davis
Fort Davis (Fall Day) NPS photo

Overview

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.

States: DC, MD, VA202-829-2163

Hours

  • Sunday: Sunrise to Sunset
  • Monday: Sunrise to Sunset
  • Tuesday: Sunrise to Sunset
  • Wednesday: Sunrise to Sunset
  • Thursday: Sunrise to Sunset
  • Friday: Sunrise to Sunset
  • Saturday: Sunrise to Sunset

Fees & Passes

    Map

    Things To Do

    Category

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

      Hike the Northern Loop in Rock Creek Park

      Free

      Description

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

      More info
      Pet FriendlyTime:120 Minutes
      Cannons at Fort Washington

      Watch an Artillery Demonstration at Fort Washington Park

      Free

      Description

      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. 

      More info
      Pet FriendlyTime:15-90 Minutes

    More Images

    Historic Fort Davis
    Historic Fort Davis
    Luminaries light a cemetery with a monument and homes in the background.
    Luminaries light a cemetery with a monument and homes in the background.
    Park Ranger delivering a program to visitors.
    Park Ranger delivering a program to visitors.
    NPS Park Sign for Fort Stevens
    NPS Park Sign for Fort Stevens
    Historic image of Fort Totten on layered on modern image.
    Historic image of Fort Totten on layered on modern image.