Fort Washington

https://www.nps.gov/fowa/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Washington_Park Fort Washington, located near the community of Fort Washington, Maryland, was for many decades the only defensive fort protecting Washington D.C. The original fort, overlooking the Potomac River, was completed in 1809, and was begun as Fort Warburton, but renamed in 1808. During the War of 1812, the fort was destroyed by its own garrison during a British advance. The current historic fort—maintained by the National Park Service—was initially constructed in 1824. It is a stone structure with a good cannon shot down the Potomac River. The fort was extensively remodeled in the 1840s and 1890s. Built to defend the river approach to 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. Joining the National Park Service in 1946, the park continues to protect the Potomac River. From I-95/495 take exit 3, Indian Head Highway South/MD 210. Travel about 4 miles to Fort Washington Road, turn right. The park is located at the end of the road. From Waldorf, MD: MD228 to Indian Head Highway/MD210 North. Turn left onto Old Fort Road. Continue to end of road, at the stop sign turn left onto Fort Washington Road, continue to park entrance. Fort Washington Park Visitor Center Built in the 1820s, this bright yellow building was once the home of Fort Washington's commander. Today, it serves as the Visitor Center for Fort Washington Park. Inside you will find the park bookstore, a small museum, and two restrooms. The Visitor Center is staffed with Rangers ready to answer your questions. From I-95/495 take exit 3, Indian Head Highway South/MD 210. Travel about 4 miles to Fort Washington Road, turn right. The park is located at the end of the road. From Waldorf, MD: MD228 to Indian Head Highway/MD210 North. Turn left onto Old Fort Road. Continue to end of road, at the stop sign turn left onto Fort Washington Road, continue to park entrance. After entering the park, follow the road straight to the main parking lot. The visitor center is the yellow building on the hill. Entrance to Fort Washington Entrance way into historic Fort Washington Fort Washington Entrance Fort Washington Volunteers firing a cannon Fort Washington Volunteers firing a cannon Fort Washington Guard fires one of the park's cannons. Demonstrations are presented during the summer months April-October. Potomac View a green shoreline with small lighthouse along river at sunset Fort Washington offers great views of the Potomac River, especially at sunset. Picnic Area at Fort Washington Park Picnic tables under a tree Picnic areas available to reserve. Cannon crew at Fort Washington Men in blue army uniforms pose by a cannon. Check out the park's cannon demonstrations to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the past! Fort tour A female park ranger talks with a man and woman in a fort A park ranger gives a tour of the fort Eagles Have Peaceful Easy Feeling Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting on national park and associated lands in the Chesapeake Bay are doing well. A recent study shows their numbers, once crippled by the effects of the insecticide DDT and other pollutants, are now growing. And juvenile eagles screened for pollutants generally showed low and undetectable exposure levels. A fluffy black eaglet sit on a towel in the sun Bat Projects in Parks: National Capital Parks East Acoustic and mist netting in Fort Washington and Piscataway Park. Scenic view of Piscataway Park's boardwalk 2014 Freeman Tilden Award Recipients Introducing the national and regional recipients of the 2014 Freeman Tilden Awards, given in recognition of new and innovative programs in interpretation. Two rangers holding a whale skull Summer in the Parks (1968-1976) What began as a summer transportation program to send DC urban youth to Catoctin and Prince William Forest Parks in 1966 grew to a city-wide summer-long festival attracting residents to parks in every quadrant of the city. After the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., the program took on an additional role to help save a city from destroying itself. A group of boys smiles for the camera Oak Decline Learn more about oak decline where a host of stressors interact to weaken trees over time, leading to what becomes "death by a thousand cuts." Looking up into the canopy of a mature oak showing symptoms of oak decline. Spring Amphibian Timeline Learn how the progression of amphibian appearances unfurls every spring. A gray tree frog clings to a small tree branch. Artifacts in the Attic: An Unusual Cache at Fort Washington Park A cache of objects found in an attic of the Enlisted Men’s Barracks at Fort Washington has the potential to enlarge our understanding of living conditions at the fort during and after the Civil War. Worn checkerboard. Fort Washington Park Cultural Landscape Washington Park is a recreational and historical area south of Washington, D.C. that interprets the development of coastal defenses in the Washington, D.C. area. The fort has remained relatively unaltered since the last major modifications in the late 1840s, and the layout and characteristics from the Endicott Period are easily identified. The landscape is also the former site of Warburton Manor, the Digges's family plantation that predated the fort. Tall archway opens through a red brick gatehouse in the wall of a brick fort Memorials for the Future Memorials for the Future, is a competition that aims to rethink the way we develop and experience memorials in Washington, D.C. Memorials for the Future Logo National Parks’ Homefront Battle: Protecting Parks During WWII Though the National Park Service (NPS) was only 25 years old at the outbreak of World War II, the agency found itself fighting a battle on the homefront. With little precedent to work from and dwindling budgets and staff, the NPS strongly defended its parks against a flood of demands to log, mine, graze, drain, and take over national parks The Changing War Begun as a purely military effort with the limited political objectives of reunification (North) or independence (South), the Civil War transformed into a social, economic and political revolution with unforeseen consequences. As the war progressed, the Union war effort steadily transformed from a limited to a hard war; it targeted not just Southern armies, but the heart of the Confederacy's economy, morale, and social order-the institution of slavery. Woodcut of spectators watching a train station set fire by Sherman's troops Forest Soils Highlights from a 2007-2017 study of soils in National Capital Region Network I&M-monitored parks. Includes discussion of parent materials, heavy metal soil pollutants like lead, and how past land use effects O horizons. Collage of 6 color photos of soil profiles showing colors from orange-y reds to browns and grays. Spotted Lanternfly 101 What you need to know about spotted lanternfly: a new, invasive, insect pest approaching the National Parks of the Mid-Atlantic. A spotted lanternfly with wings spread showing namesake spots Brood X Periodical Cicadas FAQ Learn about the Brood X periodical cicadas that emerged in 2021 throughout the Mid-Atlantic U.S. A perched periodical cicada with red eyes and orange wings Forest Regeneration 2020 What is the future of our forests? A look at forest regeneration capacity in National Capital Area national parks based on 2020 monitoring data. hand holding a leaflet on a white ash seedling National Capital PRISM and Invasive Species Since invasive species don’t recognize park boundaries, we need to work together with our partners, neighbors, and other federal and state entities to manage across borders. We can’t do it alone! a hand holds a rosette of green leaves over the water Ten Tips for Visiting Fort Washington Park Follow these tips to make your visit to Fort Washington Park memorable. The grassy fort in front of a river Sea Level Rise Impact on DC Parks Sea level rise is occurring on a global scale as the result of many climate change-induced factors. It is impacting 111 National Park Service (NPS) sites nationwide. In the National Capital Region, sea level rise is occurring at a particularly rapid rate because the land bordering the Potomac and Anacostia rivers is simultaneously sinking as the water levels rise. Above view of Dyke Marsh Sea Level Rise in the DC Area Learn about current and projected rates of sea level rise in the greater DC area, based on local water level data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) A tall white cylinder attached to a wooden pier with Hains Point in the background. Beech Trees in the National Capital Area American beech (Fagus grandifolia), the most common tree species in National Capital Area parks, is currently facing the emerging threat of Beech Leaf Disease (BLD). A forest with healthy green leafed beech trees Forest Regeneration 2021 The latest look at forest regeneration capacity in National Capital Area national parks based on monitoring data from 2021. Green forest showing healthy understory of oak seedlings. Vines on Trees at Forest Edges Learn how climbing vines affect tree growth and mortality in National Capital Region park forests. This material was originally presented in a 2016 resource brief. Vines climb on trees at the forest edge at Rock Creek's Barnard Hill Park. Plan Like a Park Ranger 1-Day Itinerary: Fort Washington Park & Piscataway Park Just south of Washington, D.C., are a series of forts and historic sites along the shore of the Potomac River. Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm, Fort Foote, and Harmony Hall are just a few of the sites you can visit, but the NPS has crafted this itinerary to highlight two of those sites specifically: Fort Washington and Piscataway Parks. A flock of Geese rest in a grassy field in front of old, weathered farm buildings. Forest Regeneration 2022 Tree seedlings and small saplings are still in short supply in National Capital Region national parks. A look at forest regeneration capacity based on monitoring data from 2022. Sunlight filtering through a green forest with green seedlings covering most of the forest floor. Firefighting corps helps military veterans transition to civilian life From January through April, 2023, the National Capital Region (NCR) hosted a three-member, Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) crew of wildland firefighters. This crew, however, was unique: all three members were veterans. Two firefighters use handtools on a fireline with battlefield monuments in the background. Forest Regeneration 2023 Tree seedlings and small saplings are slowly increasing in National Capital Region national parks. A look at forest regeneration capacity based on monitoring data from 2023. Three people stand in a forest, smiling and pointing to a large tree trunk between them. When Forests Come Down with a Bug: Forest Pests in the Greater DC Area Beech leaf disease, emerald ash borer, spotted lanternfly, spongy moth, oak decline and oak wilt are all pests present in National Capital Region (NCR) park forests. Learn about their effects and spread based on NCR Inventory & Monitoring data, and get the heads up on elm zigzag sawfly and beech bark disease. A black and red insect sits on a leaf. Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park Service To steward amphibians effectively, managers need basic information about which species live in parks. But species lists need constant maintenance to remain accurate. Due to recent efforts, the National Park Service now has an up-to-date amphibian species checklist for almost 300 parks. This information can serve as the basis for innumerable conservation efforts across the nation. A toad sits on red sand, looking into the camera. Native Grapes Seven species of grapes are native to the National Capital Region. Learn how to tell them apart, where they grow, and how they benefit birds, bugs, and beasts alike. Multiple clusters of grapes hang off of a leafy vine. Christmas berry (Photinia villosa) Learn about Christmas berry (Photinia villosa), an invasive shrub considered an early detection rapid response species in the greater Washington, DC region in 2024. Cluster of white flowers above green leaves Forest Regeneration 2024 Forest regeneration in the National Capital Region continues to slowly improve, especially in parks that manage their deer populations. A look at forest regeneration capacity based on monitoring data from 2024. Forest with tall trees in the background and green saplings in the foreground

Fort Washington Park Maryland Fort Washington National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Official Map and Guide Robert Lautman Fortification for a Capital Fort Washington is the story of changing military strategy, of changing technology, and of a rapidly growing and maturing nation. It is the accumulation of events and ideas and the physical remains of several forts rather than of one climatic act or of one structure. It thereby illustrates a significant portion— from 1808 to 1922—of American history and the continuing debate about how best to defend the United States. The first fort on this location was one element in a system, based on 18thcentury French ideas of military architecture and strategy, to protect the eastern seacoast. The British attack on and subse- This 24-pounder gun was one of several mounted in 1861 on the front curtain. quent burning of Washington powerfully showed that a new defensive plan was needed. In the wake of the War of 1812, the Fort Washington that we know today began to take form. Many factors affected the fort over the years, not the least of which were a temperamental architect—Pierre L Enfant — and the periodic unavailability of funds. Like its predecessor, this fort was to be part of a system that would defend the east coast, not just Washington, from naval attack. During the Civil War the development of armored ships and rifled cannon altered the nature of warfare. Armored ships could approach nearer than wooden What's Going On The life of a Civil War-era soldier is portrayed through Fort Washington's many and varied programs. On weekends park interpreters, dressed in authentic U.S. Army uniforms, recreate the life of a 19th-century military garrison. They demonstrate how to load and fire muzzle-loading weapons, talk about the everyday Getting There life of an enlisted man or of an officer in their respective quarters on the fort's parade ground, demonstrate the loading and firing of cannon, and conduct the ceremonies of military life. They also discuss and demonstrate the difference between smoothbore and rifled artillery and explain the significance that the introVisitor center Living history demonstration duction of rifled artillery had for Fort Washington. These programs take place only at specified times, so call 301-7634600 for a schedule of events. Besides its living history programs, the park offers opportunities for picnicking and hiking on the grounds or for fishing in the Potomac River. Some picnic areas may be reserved in advance; check with park headquarters. Fort Washington is a unit of the National Park System, which consists of more than 350 parks representing important examples of our country's natural and cultural inheritance. For questions not answered by this folder, write: Superintendent, National Capital ParksEast, 1900Anacostia Drive, SE, Washington, DC 20020. Fort Washington lies on the Maryland shore of the Potomac River, south of Washington, D.C. You can reach the park from the Capital Beltway, I-95. Follow the signs for Indian Head Highway, Md. 210 at Exit 3 Go south on Indian Head Highway to Fort Washington Road and turn right; follow the road to the park. The park is open every day; the fort and the visitor center are open daily except January 1 and December 25. From March through mid-November a fee is charged for each entering vehicle. The visitor center contains exhibits that tell the story of the park to the present day. An audiovisual program complements the exhibits. A sales counter offers materials on Fort Washington and the National Capital area. MAP LEGEND: ships had been able to and could use rifled cannon to demolish brick fortifications. The answer was concrete batteries that housed larger rifled cannon with a greater range. Even though the batteries were located away from the river, they were as effective as the earlier brick structure had been against wooden ships. Fort Washington is not just one structure but several that were built to meet the changing demands of strategy and technology. Safety Fort Washington is a 19th-century fortification with some inherent dangers. By maintaining the authenticity of the fort, some of these dangers remain. Please stay off the parapet and watch your children. Do not climb on any part of the fort or on the batteries built around the turn of the century; some of these batteries may be unstable. *Make sure that pets are on a leash and under control at all times. "Leave plants and native wildf lowers for others to enjoy as much as you do. "Report any accidents to a park ranger or to the U.S. park police as soon as you can. "Be on the watch for poison ivy. Remember the rhyme: "Leaflets three, let them be." From Fort to Park In 1872 the U.S. Army turned over control of Fort Washington to the Army engineers who then constructed new gun positions. In 1896 work on eight concrete batteries began near the old fort, and they were outfitted with Endicott-eraguns: 10-inch rifl