"The capital can't be taken!"

Name: Civil War Defenses of Washington
Telephone: 202-895-6000

On forested hills surrounding the nation's capital are the remnants of a complex system of Civil War fortifications. These strategic buttresses transformed the young capital into one of the world's most fortified cities. By 1865, 68 forts and 93 batteries armed with over 800 cannons encircled Washington, DC. Today, you can visit 18 of the original sites now managed by the National Park Service.

Introduction to Fort Stevens and Civil War Defenses of Washington

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Duration:: 2 minutes, 5 seconds

An overview of the Civil War Defenses of Washington, the roles of Fort Stevens and other forts in the Civil War, and how park visitors can experience these places today.

Places

Today 18 fort sites are administered by the National Park Service located on approximately 130 acres.

Civil War reenactors pose for group photo at Fort Stevens.

Anniversary of the Battle

Join the annual commemoration of the Battle of Fort Stevens and enjoy living history, music, lectures, and more!

Historic photograph of Fort Stevens overlaid on current photograph at Fort Stevens Park.

Then-And-Now

The Civil War Defenses of Washington brought back to life!

History at Sunset

Learn more about the Civil War Washington with the National Park Service as the sun sets in the nation's capital.

Last updated: March 14, 2025

Civil War Defenses of Washington

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Civil War Defenses of Washington
3545 Williamsburg Lane N.W.
Washington, DC 20008

Phone:

202-895-6000
This phone number is for the administrative offices of Rock Creek Park, one of the three national parks that manage the Civil War Defenses of Washington.