Interpretive Panel: Welcome to Fort Foote

These panels are back-to-back at the parking lot for Fort Foote

NPS

Quick Facts

Amenities

3 listed

Parking - Auto, Tactile Exhibit, Trailhead

Welcome to Fort Foote.

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln toured Fort Foote to survey this cutting-edge military technology. Would you feel safe behind 1,416 feet, or 432 meters, of earthen walls? How about with 2 - 25-ton, or 23-metric ton, Rodman Guns by your side? On Fort Foote’s flat hiking trails, you can follow Lincoln’s footsteps and conduct your own inspection.

“The site selected for the fortification is a very steep bluff 100 feet, or 30 meters, high, 4 miles, or 6 kilometers, from Alexandria, 8 miles, or 13 kilometers, from Washington … It was to be the only defense between Fort Washington and the District line. It proved to be one of the very largest of the cordon of forts which encircled the city.” - Alfred Seelye Roe, Union soldier and historian

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The fort’s namesake is Rear Admiral Andrew Hull Foote, who died in 1863. He is known for his heroic actions on the Mississippi River.

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Students and scouts used the site in the early 1900s. The National Park Service took over the fort in 1931, changing the fort’s mission from defense to recreation and conservation.

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Fort Foote under construction, 1863-1864

Your Adventure Continues

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Escape the city bustle with hands-on activities for all ages at Oxon Hill Farm at Oxon Cove Park. Discover how farm life has changed over 2 centuries.

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Relive more than 200 years of military history at Fort Washington. It was built to defend the river approach to Washington, DC. See the evolution of fort construction from brick and stone to steel and concrete.

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Spot wildlife and have a picnic at Piscataway Park. Enjoy the clear view of Mount Vernon across the river.