Fort Washington
Park

In December 1809, Fort Warburton was completed. It guarded the entrance to the Capital City until August 27, 1814, when it was destroyed by its own garrison. In order to prevent the capture of equipment and munitions that could have been used against the American forces. Twelve days later, September 8, 1814, Major Pierre L'Enfant was hired by the government to clear the remains of the Old Fort and start construction on new defenses to be named Fort Washington. L'Enfant worked on the Fort for only two brief periods before he was relieved of duty. The work was completed by LtColonel Walker Armistead, Chief Engineer of the Alexandria District, on October 2, 1824. Fort Washington was remodeled during the 1840's to correct deficiencies in the original design. Under the command of Captain Joseph A. Haskins, Fort Washington was held by Union forces during the Civil War. Fort Washington was the only defense for the National Capital, until the Circle Forts were completed. By 1872 the "Old Fort " was considered obsolete. From 1875 until 1921, Fort Washington grew as a military Post, Headquarters for the Defenses of the Potomac. By 1890, work started on the Endicotte Gun Batteries. In 1906, all work was completed on the eight concrete batteries which became part of the U.S. Coast Artillery. The 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry, the Honor Guard for the Military District of Washington was stationed here until 1939. During World War II the Fort served as the home of the Officer's Candidate School of the Adjutant General's Corps. A Veteran's Administration hospital operated here from 1944 until 1946. In 1946 the Fort was turned over to the Department of Interior for use as a Park.

VISITATION
Highest: June-September
Lowest: December-March

LOCATION
Fort Washington, Maryland

Address
13551 Fort Washington Road
Fort Washington, MD 20744

TELEPHONE
(301)763-4600

OPERATING HOURS
Historic Fort and Visitor's Center 9:00am-4:30pm, Daily
Park Grounds 8:00am-Dark
Closed Christmas and New Year's Day

CLIMATE
Summer: Hot, Humid, and Hazy
Winter: varies greatly, periods of cold and windy weather

DIRECTIONS
From Washington DC: Capital Beltway (I-495) to Exit 3A (Indian Head Highway or MD210), continue to Fort Washington Road, turn right, follow to the park entrance.

TRANSPORTATION
To Park: personal vehicle; no public transportation available

FEES, COST, RATES
$4.00 per vehicle (private)
$2.00 per person (walk-in, bicycle, bus)
Commercial Bus: 1-6 persons $30.00

7-25 persons $45.00
26+ persons $100.00
Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access passes are honored.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Visitor Center/Exhibits
The Visitor Center includes a small exhibit area, telling the history of Fort Washington; an auditorium where a short introductory film about the fort is shown; a book sales area containing publications and items relating to the park, (War of 1812, Civil War, Military History).

Reserved Picnic Areas are available with a reservation fee. Non-reserved areas are also available with a first come-first serve policy.

A three and a half mile trail circles the park, sections of the trail are steep.

An 1885 Lighthouse, which remains as a channel marker is located at the point below the historic for. Not open to the public.

Programs/Activities
Fort Tours: Saturday and Sunday, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00

Weekdays by request
Groups are asked to make a reservation (301)763-4600.

LODGING AND CAMPING FACILITIES
No public lodging or camping facilities are available in the park. Lodging is available in the Washington DC area.

Food/Supplies
None available in the park, but are available nearby.

ACCESSIBILITY
The visitor center, parade ground area of the fort and picnic areas are all handicapped accessible.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS
Reservations for school groups or other educational groups are accepted by phone or mail throughout the year. Reservations should be made at least two weeks before the anticipated visit. All bona fide educational groups visiting the park for educational purposes are exempt from the park entrance fee. A fee waiver request form will be mailed upon reservation.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS
Allow one to two hours for your visit. The introductory film at the visitor center is a good place to start.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS
Artillery firing demonstrations are offered one Sunday a month from April to November
Musket firing demonstrations are offered one Sunday a month from May to September
Torchlight Tours are offered in June and September, call for exact date, 8:00pm to 11:00pm, reservations required (301)763-4600.

Endicotte Gun Battery Walks
Various Natural programs are offered throughout the summer, birdwalk, flower walk, tree walk.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS
Oxon Cove Park (Oxon Hill Farm), 7 miles north of Fort Washington Park National Colonial Farm, an 18th Century farm, 5 miles south of Fort Washington Park on Bryan's Road.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Write Superintendent, Fort Washington Park, 1900 Anacostia Dr., SE Washington DC 20020 or call (301)763-4600. You may also e-mail the park: Don_Steiner@nps.gov.

Last updated: Tuesday, 27-Oct-98 12:15:20