On forested hills surrounding the nation's capital are the remnants of a complex system of Civil War fortifications. Built by Union forces, these strategic buttresses transformed the young capital into one of the world's most fortified cities. This month, we will feature Fort Foote, a massive earthwork which protected the Washington DC along the Potomac River. Read More
Featured Fort of the Month
![Cannon Shot at Fort Stevens](/congress115th/20190109024244im_/https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/grid_builder/ncr/crop16_9/498C60B8-1DD8-B71B-0B71459A229C570F.jpg?width=307&quality=90&mode=crop)
Places
Today nineteen fort sites are administered by the National Park Service located on approximately 130 acres.
![Civil War reenactors pose for group photo at Fort Stevens.](/congress115th/20190109024244im_/https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/grid_builder/ncr/crop16_9/88D83E2B-1DD8-B71B-0B297C5536533AB1.jpg?width=307&quality=90&mode=crop)
Anniversary of the Battle
Join the annual commemoration of the Battle of Fort Stevens and enjoy living history, music, lectures, and more!
![Ages 5+. July 11-August 30 (Tues-Thurs)](/congress115th/20190109024244im_/https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/grid_builder/ncr/crop16_9/5DE3B824-1DD8-B71B-0B24993875184E75.jpg?width=307&quality=90&mode=crop)
Fort Dupont Summer Camps
Join the CWDW at Fort Dupont for Summer Camp. Activities include nature hikes, living history demonstrations, and arts/crafts.
![Park Ranger giving a tour to visitors at the African American Civil War Memorial, September 2018.](/congress115th/20190109024244im_/https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/grid_builder/ncr/crop16_9/2D52187A-0B83-02BB-0161309BF83B58FB.jpg?width=950&quality=90&mode=crop)
History at Sunset
Learn more about the Civil War Washington with the National Park Service as the sun sets in the nation's capital.
Last updated: December 11, 2018