Parks / Civil War Defenses of Washington
Civil War Defenses of Washington
· DC,MD,VA
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (1)
Part of Fort Totten Park remains closed for public safety
Out of an abundance of caution, Fort Totten Park will remain closed east of Fort Totten Drive, south of Gallatin Street/Metropolitan Branch Trail and north of Brookland Ave NE/Farragut St. due to the investigation involving two WWI-era munitions found.
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Upcoming Events
Junior Ranger Discovery Club: Explore, Learn, Protect
Sep 3, 2026 · Battleground National Cemetery 6625 Georgia Ave NW Washington DC
Civil War Stuff: Prisoners of War
Sep 3, 2026 · Battleground National Cemetery, 6625 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington DC
Civil War Stuff: Prisoners of War
Sep 3, 2026 · Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington DC
Within the Walls of Fort Stevens
Sep 4, 2026 · Fort Stevens is situated along 13th Street, Quackenbos Street NW, and Rittenhouse Street NW.
As Seen Through Civilian Eyes: The Battle of Fort Stevens
Sep 4, 2026
Civil War Chats: Major General George B. McClellan Statue
Sep 4, 2026 · 1913 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC 20009
In the Steps of the Fallen: A Living History Walk from Fort Stevens to Battleground National Cemetery
Sep 5, 2026 · Fort Stevens Park is located at 6001 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20011
Presentation of the Rock Creek Civil War Round Table: "Civil War Bits and Pieces"
Sep 5, 2026 · Via ZOOM
Stories in Stone: Monuments at Battleground National Cemetery
Sep 6, 2026 · 6625 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC
Civil War Stuff: Zouaves
Sep 10, 2026 · Battleground National Cemetery, 6625 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington DC
Civil War Stuff: Zouaves
Sep 10, 2026 · Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington DC
Civil War Chats: Fort Bunker Hill Hike
Sep 11, 2026 · Fort Bunker Hill Park, 14th St and Otis St NE, Washington, DC
Heroes Remembered: Stories from Battleground National Cemetery
Sep 11, 2026 · Battleground National Cemetery 6625 Georgia Avenue NW Washington, DC
Civil War Stuff: Artillery Soldiers
Sep 17, 2026 · Battleground National Cemetery, 6625 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington DC
Civil War Stuff: Artillery Soldiers
Sep 17, 2026 · Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington DC
Civil War Chats: Major General George B. McClellan Statue
Sep 18, 2026 · 1913 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC 20009
Lincoln-Thomas Day 102nd Anniversary
Sep 19, 2026 · Fort Stevens Park, 13th And Quackenbos Streets NW, Washington, DC
Civil War Stuff: Homefront Heroes
Sep 24, 2026 · Battleground National Cemetery, 6625 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington DC
Civil War Stuff: Homefront Heroes
Sep 24, 2026 · Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington DC
Civil War Chats: Fort Bunker Hil Hike
Sep 25, 2026 · Fort Bunker Hill Park, 14th St and Otis St NE, Washington, DC
Things to Do
Explore the Civil War Defenses of Washington Hiker-Biker Trail
Hike or bike the 7-mile trail from Fort Stanton to Fort Mahan and take in scenery that ranges from urban greenspaces to forest ecosystems, all while recreating through a historic landscape.
Hike the Northern Loop in Rock Creek Park
Enjoy an easy 5-mile round trip hike around the northern section of Rock Creek Park.
Watch an Artillery Demonstration at Fort Washington Park
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.
Source: National Park Service.