Fort Washington Park

This property offers access for patrons with disabilities.

George Washington chose this site on a narrow portion of the Potomac River for the first fort to protect the nation's capital. It was destroyed during the War of 1812, only five years after its completion; the current fort was completed in 1824. Half-hour tours of the fort are given on request. On the first Sunday of each month from April through October, costumed volunteers fire the fort's...

The first Fort Washington was completed in 1809 and guarded the Nations Capital until it was destroyed by its own garrison in 1814. Twelve days later Major Pierre LEnfant was sent to construct new defenses but worked on the fort for only a brief period before Lieutenant Colonel Walker K. Armistead replaced him. The fort was completed on October 2, 1824. Extensive remodeling was performed in the...

Built to defend the river approach to the Washington, DC, Fort Washington has stood as silent sentry for over 200 years. As... technologies advanced so did Fort Washington, from the brick and stone of the 19th century to the concrete and steel of the 20th century. See More