National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
George Washington Memorial ParkwayView of Washington D.C. from Arlington House
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
George Washington Memorial Parkway
Fort Marcy

The bloodiest war ever fought on American soil, the Civil War, had far-reaching effects and an immediate impact on the capital city of Washington, D.C. During the Civil War, the vulnerability of Washington, D.C. became a grave concern for residents, military leaders, and politicians as the conflict escalated. The state of Maryland - a Union slave state with many southern sympathizers - was located to the north. Surrounded by unfriendly territory, with only one fort in operation at the beginning of the Civil War, the Nation's capital was not prepared for direct military attack.

This led to a massive construction effort to establish a defensive ring of forts around the city. One of the forts defending the city against enemy forces became known as Fort Marcy. 

 

Fort Marcy brochure - a printer-friendly, 8 1/2" x 11" brochure

Clara Barton seated with a female nurses graduation class.  

Did You Know?
Clara Barton is probably the most famous American nurse who was never a real nurse. She cared for wounded soldiers in the Civil War and as President of the American Red Cross she organized over 18 relief efforts, but she was a former school teacher and government clerk.
more...

Last Updated: August 22, 2007 at 18:52 EST