CIVIL WAR DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON

Fort Reno...Fort Dupont...Fort Totten...most Washingtonians know them as a reservoir, a recreation center, and a METRO stop. But from 1861 to 1865 these areas were part of the extensive earthen fortifications that surrounded and protected Washington from the armies of the Confederacy. At that time, Washington, D.C. was not only the capital of the United States, but also the center of military operations and the very symbol of the Union. President Lincoln knew it was critical for the Union cause to protect Washington.

Today we are writing to you because the National Park Service has begun a planning process to determine how to manage approximately 20 Civil War defense sites for the next 10 to 15 years. Early this century there were plans to use the lands to create a green belt parkway around Washington for a "Fort Circle Drive". Later, a bike trail was considered. Today in this era of tight budgets we need to look at these areas again to see how to best tell the story of the Civil War defenses, determine appropriate recreation, and plan management of cultural and natural resources.

Although the fort system continues across suburban Maryland and Virginia counties, only the areas that are administered by the National Park Service will be included in this plan. The fort sites are spread through three National Park Service units: Rock Creek Park, National Capital Parks-East, and George Washington Memorial Parkway. The fort areas are on the map on page two.

Our goal is to develop a plan that will protect the resources, meet the needs of our visitors, and address the concerns of our neighbors. To achieve this we will be working closely with the District of Columbia; state, local, and federal agencies; private landowners; interest groups; and the general public.

So we are asking for your help. We need your thoughts in this process. The following will provide some ideas on the purpose and significance of the sites, as well as some information on the National Park Service's planning process. Please tell us what you think. We look forward to receiving your comments as we work together to plan the future of these Civil War Defenses of Washington.

Signed,