History & Culture

Fort Dupont

Fort Dupont - the Civil War fort

During the Civil War, Fort Dupont was part of a system of forts overlooking and protecting the capital city of Washington, DC. 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.

Fort Dupont - the park

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 soldiers once looked out over farmlands, park visitors now grow fruits and vegetables in the community garden.

For over 50 years, the park has hosted summer concerts featuring a variety of musical genres, and talented artists from DC and beyond. These concerts are a lasting legacy of the Summer in the Parks program, which originally ran from 1968-1975. The concerts in the parks helped establish the punk and go-go scenes in DC for a generation of music lovers and performers.

 

Explore more

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  Civil War Defenses of Washington DC

  Learn about 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.

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  DC Black Pride at Fort Dupont

  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

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  National Capital Parks East

  Learn about National Capital Parks East

  Fort Dupont Park is one site in National Capital Parks East

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  Summer in the Parks

  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