Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between the Fort Circle Parks and the Civil War Defenses of Washington?
A. Fort Circle Parks is a name that was given to the group of Civil War Defenses of Washington sites and their connecting greespace corridors that are cared for and protected by the National Park Service. Civil War Defenses of Washington are the collective name of all sites that were part of the fortification network that defended Washington, D.C. during the Civil War.

This website focuses on Civil War Defenses of Washington sites that are administered by the National Park Service. However, our partner sites, administered by other public agencies, are mentioned throughout the website with corresponding links.

Q. How do I visit the Civil War Defenses of Washington?
A. Click on the following links that might help you to plan your visit.

Plan Your Visit
A List of Fortifications and What to Expect When You Visit
Things to Know Before You Come

If you have more questions please contact the individual sites. more...

Q. What are the hours of operation?
A. Daylight hours, from dawn to dusk.

Q. Is parking available at the sites?
A.  You can park free of charge at Fort Dupont Park, Fort Foote Park, and Fort Marcy Park. You will find very limited street parking for the other sites.

Q. Can I schedule a tour for my visit?
A. Please contact the individual park sites for answers to this question. more...

Q. Where can I get a passport stamp?
A. There is not a National Park Service Civil War Defenses of Washington passport stamp. However, some sites have their own stamp.

Fort Foote Park - A passport stamp for Fort Foote Park can be obtained at Fort Washington Park. more...

Fort Dupont Park – A passport stamp for Fort Dupont Park can be obtained from the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.
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Q. How do I reserve a sports field, a community garden plot, or a picnic area?
A. Click here for more information.

Q. Does it cost anything to visit the sites?
A.  It is free to visit the sites.

Q. Can I bring my dog to the park?
A. Pets on leashes of 6' or less are allowed. Please clean up after your pet.

Q. Are the sites handicapped accessible?
A. Please contact the individual park sites. more…