| What is it? |
Fort Ward was built to defend Washington, D.C. from Confederate takeover during the Civil War! It is the best preserved of these forts! |
| What makes it historical? |
The Confederate Army took the Union Army completely by surprise with their victory in the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run), and suddenly the federal government was faced with a strong Confederate force in their backyard! So, in 1861, Union soldiers began construction of 164 forts around Washington, D.C., making it the most heavily fortified city in the western hemisphere! Fort Ward was named after Commander James H. Ward, who is best known for founding the naval academy at Annapolis and was responsible for keeping the Potomac River blockade-free and open for shipping! Though a Confederate sniper gave him the distinction of first Union naval officer mortally wounded in the Civil War, his namesake fort never came under Confederate attack! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? |
HERE’S HOW:
- Volunteer with the Fort Ward Museum!
- Donate to the Friends of Fort Ward!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
|
| Where is this place? |
4301 West Braddock Road
Alexandria, Virginia 22304
From Appomattox: ~189mi (305km) — 3.2hrs
From Arlington: ~7mi (12km) — 0.2hrs
From Norfolk: ~192mi (309km) — 3.2hrs
From Richmond: ~102mi (165km) — 1.7hrs |
| When should I go? |
The museum is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM, and on Sunday from noon until 5:00 PM! |
