Civil War Defenses of Washington (U.S. National Park Service)

Civil War Defenses of Washington DC,MD,VA

A woman in a 19th-century dress stands along an earthwork fortification

Park Ranger delivering a program to visitors.

Historic image of Fort Totten on layered on modern image.

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.

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Duration:: 2 minutes, 5 seconds

An overview of the Civil War Defenses of Washington, the roles of Fort Stevens and other forts in the Civil War, and how park visitors can experience these places today.

Places to visit

Today 18 fort sites are administered by the National Park Service located on approximately 130 acres.

an Abraham Lincoln reenactor and young visitor talking; facing away from the camera

The Battle of Fort Stevens

Join us each July for the annual commemoration of the Battle of Fort Stevens and enjoy living history, music, lectures, and more!

Historic photograph of Fort Stevens overlaid on current photograph at Fort Stevens Park.

Then-And-Now

The Civil War Defenses of Washington brought back to life!

a reenactor and park ranger stand behind a wreath

Lincoln-Thomas Day event

Join us each September for the annual Lincoln-Thomas Day commemorative event.

Last updated: September 3, 2025

Civil War Defenses of Washington

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Civil War Defenses of Washington
3545 Williamsburg Lane NW
Washington, DC 20008

Phone:

202-895-6000
This phone number is for the administrative offices of Rock Creek Park, one of the three national parks that manage the Civil War Defenses of Washington.