Civil War Defenses of Washington (U.S. National Park Service)

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Welcome to the Civil War Defenses of Washington, sometimes referred to as the Fort Circle Parks.

On forested hills surrounding the nation’s capital are the remnants of a complex system of Civil War fortifications. Built by Union forces, these strategic buttresses transformed the young capital into one of the world's most fortified cities. These forts remain as windows into the past in the midst of D.C.’s urban green space, offering recreational, cultural, and natural experiences.

Officers and men of Company F, 3d Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, in Fort Stevens

Civil War Defenses of Washington

“…It seems to me after out experience during this rebellion that a wise foresight will not permit us to allow the seat of government to become again entirely defenseless”

Lieutenant Colonel Barton S. Alexander, Chief Engineer of Defenses 1865

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander's suggestions went unheeded and this circle of forts, known as the Civil War Defenses of Washington fell into disuse as the city developed and grew. Although many of the fortifications have crumbled away, their intriguing and compelling stories are very much a part of our national history as well as the local history of Washington, D.C.
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		Urban Planning for Recreation Many of the Civil War forts, batteries, and rifle trenches have disappeared from the landscape of Washington, D.C . However, this ring of earthen forts continued to forge its legacy by becoming a catalyst for one of the first urban planning efforts for public recreation. The McMillan Plan of 1902 recognized the recreational potential in the pattern of open spaces of the circle of Civil War defenses and called for their preservation. Today, these former defense sites and green landscapes, with their magnificent views of the city, enhance the quality of life for its citizens and visitors.

Natural Resource Protection

The National Park Service Civil War Defenses of Washington sites preserve significant natural features, including substantial acreage of mature native hardwood forest, geological and aquatic resources, and a diversity of important habitat for indigenous plants and animals that are unusual in an urban setting and contribute to the uniqueness of the nation’s capital.
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		Beacons of Hope and Freedom Approximately 40,000 African Americans, fleeing from the chains of enslavement, made their way to Washington D.C., risking their lives crossing Union army lines in order to find protection within the ring of defenses. The Civil War Defenses of Washington not only came to symbolize the Union Cause, but served as a symbol of freedom that the Union represented for many enslaved people. more...