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

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Welcome to the Civil War Defenses of Washington, sometimes referred to as the Fort Circle Parks.

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. These forts remain as windows into the past in the midst of the city, offering recreational, cultural, and natural experiences.

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38th Annual D.C. Historical Studies Conference - Nov. 4-6, 2011

There is still time to register! This year many of the speakers and programs focus on the Civil War. Learn More

Civil War Sesquicentennial

2011 Marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Learn more about special events across the country, special features and much more. The Civil War: 150 Years

Projects in the Parks

Want to know what's happening in the parks? Visit the Park Planning section of this site for information about the Metropolitan Branch Trail at Fort Totten or the development of a Long-Range Interpretive Plan for the Civil War Defenses of Washington. Want to find out about on-going restoration projects or read recent newsletters? Visit the Park News section.

You can also follow us on Facebook! Check us out, share your photos and join the community of friends passionate about the forts.

Officers and men of Company F, 3d Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, in Fort Stevens

Civil War Defenses of Washington

“…It seems to me after out experience during this rebellion that a wise foresight will not permit us to allow the seat of government to become again entirely defenseless”

Lieutenant Colonel Barton S. Alexander, Chief Engineer of Defenses 1865

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander's suggestions went unheeded and this circle of forts, known as the Civil War Defenses of Washington fell into disuse as the city developed and grew. Although many of the fortifications have crumbled away, their intriguing and compelling stories are very much a part of our national history as well as the local history of Washington, D.C.
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		Urban Planning for Recreation Many of the Civil War forts, batteries, and rifle trenches have disappeared from the landscape of Washington, D.C . However, this ring of earthen forts continued to forge its legacy by becoming a catalyst for one of the first urban planning efforts for public recreation. The McMillan Plan of 1902 recognized the recreational potential in the pattern of open spaces of the circle of Civil War defenses and called for their preservation. Today, these former defense sites and green landscapes, with their magnificent views of the city, enhance the quality of life for its citizens and visitors.

Natural Resource Protection

The National Park Service Civil War Defenses of Washington sites preserve significant natural features, including substantial acreage of mature native hardwood forest, geological and aquatic resources, and a diversity of important habitat for indigenous plants and animals that are unusual in an urban setting and contribute to the uniqueness of the nation’s capital.
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		Beacons of Hope and Freedom Approximately 40,000 African Americans, fleeing from the chains of enslavement, made their way to Washington D.C., risking their lives crossing Union army lines in order to find protection within the ring of defenses. The Civil War Defenses of Washington not only came to symbolize the Union Cause, but served as a symbol of freedom that the Union represented for many enslaved people. more...

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