Fort Dupont had six sides, each 100 feet long, protected by a deep moat and trees felled side-by-side with branches pointing outward. It was named for Flag Officer Samuel F. Dupont, who commanded the naval victory at Port Royal, South Carolina, in November 1861. Although its garrison and guns never saw battle, Fort Dupont served as a lifeline of freedom. Runaway slaves found safety here before moving on to join the growing community of "contrabands" in Washington. The barracks and guns are gone, but the fort's earthworks can still be traced near the picnic area on Alabama Avenue. In the 1930s, the National Capital Planning Commission acquired the old fort and surrounding land for recreation. A golf course was constructed and as the city grew, golf gave way in 1970 to the sports complex along Ely Place that now includes tennis and basketball courts, athletic fields, and a softball diamond. An indoor ice rink offers skating all winter. Where once soldiers looked out over farmlands, park visitors now grow fruits and vegetables in the community garden. 
Learn about National Capital Parks East
Fort Dupont Park is one site in National Capital Parks East 
Learn about the DC's Civil War Defenses
Fort Dupont is a part of the Civil War Defenses of Washington DC. Learn about all the Civil War Defenses Sites. 
DC Black Pride's Journey to Fort Dupont
Learn about the history of DC Black Pride and the connection the event has to Fort Dupont Park 
The History of Summer in the Parks
Learn about the history of Summer in the Parks that led to the Fort Dupont Summer Concert Series |
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Last updated: May 26, 2023