Fort Washington Through the Ages: War of 1812 to WWII

September 30th, 2023
9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Join us on a journey through time as we explore the evolution of military use at Fort Washington. Starting with the construction of the first fort in the early 19th century, you will have a chance to glimpse into the lives of soldiers who lived and worked at the Fort. Learn about the role of this grand fortification from the War of 1812 to World War II.

This event is completely free and all are welcome!

 

(NPS)

Schedule of Activities

9 AM-4 PM

Period Military Displays
Family Activities
19th Century Dance Performances

10 AM, 1 PM, and 2:30 PM

Musket Demonstration

11 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM
Cannon Demonstration

10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2 PM, and 3:30 PM
Dance Demonstrations in the Enlisted Men's Barracks

4:45-5:30 PM

Live music by 'Hard Tack and Sea Biscuits'

Getting to Fort Washington Park

From I-95/495 take exit 3, Indian Head Higway South/MD 210. Travel about 4 miles to Fort Washington Road, turn right. The park is located at the end of the road.

From Waldorf, MD: MD228 to Indian Head Highway/MD210 North. Turn left onto Old Fort Road. Continue to end of road, at the stop sign turn left onto Fort Washington Road, continue to park entrance.

Accessibility

Mobility/Physical

This event will take place in the old Fort. It is a mostly grassy surface with a level dirt path in the center. The Fort is about a quarter mile from the parking lot and the path is paved and accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Handicapped accessible restrooms are located in the Visitor Center, which sits between the Fort and the parking lot.

Deaf/Hard of Hearing

American Sign Language interpreters will be present and available upon request to assist whoever needs them.

Blind/Vision Loss

Braille copies of the park brochure are available upon request in the Visitor Center. The event will consist of many stations where you can talk to a historic reenactor. It will also have musket and cannon demonstrations and a musical performance to listen to.

Cognitive/Learning Disabilities

The musket and cannon firing programs do contain very loud noises and smoke. Staff will provide warnings when the loud noises are coming, but they can still be quite startling.