Civil War Defenses of Washington

Civil War Defenses of Washington Welcome to the official page for the Civil War Defenses of Washington. one of the most heavily fortified locations in the world.

The Civil War Defenses of Washington is a complex system of earthwork fortifications constructed by Union forces during the Civil War. Originally comprised of 68 earthwork forts, 20 miles of rifle pits, 32 miles of military roads, and 93 detached batteries, these fortifications made Washington, D.C. Today, the National Park Service manages 19 of these sites.

Stand by the Colors! What did a flag mean during the Civil War? Much more than you might think! Join a ranger to disco...
08/20/2026

Stand by the Colors! What did a flag mean during the Civil War? Much more than you might think! Join a ranger to discover how regimental flags inspired soldiers and how signal flags sent secret messages across the battlefield. Then it's your turn to create a flag that tells your story!

• Design your own flag
• Learn the meaning behind Civil War colors and symbols
• Free, family-friendly, drop-in activity

We look forward to seeing you at Battleground National Cemetery on Saturday, August 22nd from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Come for a few minutes or stay awhile—history has never been so colorful!

Photo: First State Color of the 98th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment
Photo Credit: Courtesy PA Capitol Preservation Committee

Pack it in and pack it out to help our partners Ward 8 Woods clean up Shepherd Parkway on Saturday!The Parkway is home t...
08/04/2026

Pack it in and pack it out to help our partners Ward 8 Woods clean up Shepherd Parkway on Saturday!

The Parkway is home to Civil War fort remains, waterways, and wildlife habitats, so every piece of litter removed greatly improves its overall health. Register to join in👇https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09SJ00000PSNw9YAH

Photo: NPS/Conall Rubin-Thomas

Adventure is just around the corner! This National Park Week (August 22 - 30), discover the many stories waiting to be e...
08/01/2026

Adventure is just around the corner! This National Park Week (August 22 - 30), discover the many stories waiting to be explored at Rock Creek Park. From historic mills and Civil War sites to forest trails, waterfront adventures, family activities, and live music, there's something happening almost every day.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime park fan, National Park Week is the perfect time to try something new. Find out more about Rock Creek Park's programs at https://go.nps.gov/ROCRcalendar

Which activities are you most excited about—history, nature, music, hiking, or hands-on family fun?

Photos: 1: NPS Photo/J. Land; 2: Courtesy of Bruce Guthrie

#250

In May 1863, he wrote to his mother that despite defeats and hardship, he remained proud to serve in the Army of the Pot...
07/11/2026

In May 1863, he wrote to his mother that despite defeats and hardship, he remained proud to serve in the Army of the Potomac.

He could not have known that just fourteen months later, his life would come to an end during the Battle of Fort Stevens.

Who was the young soldier behind the letter?

Join the ranger-led walk "In the Steps of the Fallen from Fort Stevens to Battleground National Cemetery" today at Fort Stevens Day and uncover his story as we follow the path from Fort Stevens to Battleground National Cemetery.

Photo: 139th Pennsylvania Monument at Gettysburg National Military Park
Photo Credit: Mark Bias

📍 Not all who wander are lost; in fact, they might be a Trail Ambassador! 📍 In our brand-new volunteer position, you can...
06/16/2026

📍 Not all who wander are lost; in fact, they might be a Trail Ambassador! 📍

In our brand-new volunteer position, you can choose a portion of the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail to care for and maintain. 👀📝⛏️

The trail winds 6.5 miles through several Civil War-era forts in six sections from which to choose. Trail Ambassadors visit their selected segment at least once a month to check on and improve its conditions. 🥾🚶‍

Pick amongst these trail stretches:

1. Fort Place SE to Marion Barry Avenue SE (~0.6 mile one-way)
2. Marion Barry Avenue SE to Park Drive SE (~1.1 mile one-way)
*Please note: the linked map displays “Good Hope Rd SE”, the former name of Marion Barry Avenue*
3. Branch Avenue SE to Massachusetts Avenue SE (~1 mile one-way)
4. Massachusetts Avenue SE to Ridge Road SE (~1.5 miles one-way)
5. Ridge Road SE to Benning Road NE (~1.1 mile one-way)
6. Benning Road NE/Fort Mahan Park circular trail to Grant Street NE (~1 mile one-way)

See each section’s start, end, and general route with this handy map:
🗺️https://www.nps.gov/maps/full.html?mapId=8be3e5bf-585c-4c66-9c00-05b76b17a278

Craving some wanderlust on this sprawling, historical pathway? Apply today to become a Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail Ambassador ▶️ https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09SJ00000NJkd1YAD

NPS photo

🗺️ Choose your own adventure as a Trail Ambassador! 🗺️ Volunteer to help care for the Civil War Defenses of Washington T...
06/10/2026

🗺️ Choose your own adventure as a Trail Ambassador! 🗺️

Volunteer to help care for the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail—and choose the section you want to work on!

This 6.5‑mile trail connects five Civil War–era forts across southeast/northeast Washington, DC, offering a mix of scenery, history, and outdoor exploration.

As a Trail Ambassador, you’ll select, monitor, and maintain your own trail section. Tasks include trimming overgrown vegetation, removing litter, noting trail conditions, and helping visitors.

Which fort calls to you?

- Fort Stanton, with its original masonry bastions?

- Fort Davis, lined with splendid, towering trees?

- Fort Dupont, home to summer concerts and rolling hills?

- Fort Chaplin, a peaceful green pocket in a busy cityscape?

- Fort Mahan, full of hidden-gem walking paths?

Whichever you choose, you’ll play an important role in conserving the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail for everyone who enjoys it. Show your fort-itude and apply today: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09SJ00000NJkd1YAD

Photo: NPS / Conall Rubin-Thomas

Address

Washington D.C., DC
20011

Telephone

+12028292163

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Civil War Defenses of Washington posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Civil War Defenses of Washington:

Shortcuts

Share

Category