Civil War Defenses of Washington

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Historic Fort Davis

About Civil War Defenses of Washington

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.

Quick Facts

State District of Columbia
State Code DC,MD,VA
Weather Check the weather forecast for each individual site for accurate information.

Operating Hours

The park grounds at Battery Kemble, Battleground National Cemetery, Fort Bayard, Fort Bunker Hill, Fort DeRussy, Fort Reno, Fort Slocum, Fort Stevens, and Fort Totten are managed by Rock Creek Park These sites are open daily from dawn to dusk.

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

Activities

Arts and Culture Theater Biking Mountain Biking Road Biking Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Self-Guided Tours - Auto Hiking Living History First Person Interpretation Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Park Film

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