Fort Ward Park

Fort Ward Park is a 45-acre historic site located in Alexandria, Virginia. The park preserves and interprets one of the best-preserved Union forts from the American Civil War. Fort Ward was constructed in 1861 as part of the Defenses of Washington, a system of fortifications built to protect the nation's capital during the conflict.

The park features a reconstructed Northwest Bastion of the fort, which allows visitors to experience the scale and engineering of Civil War-era military defenses. Approximately 90-95% of the fort's original earthen walls remain intact, providing an authentic glimpse into 19th-century fortification design.

At the heart of the park is the Fort Ward Museum, housed in a building designed to replicate a Civil War-era officer's headquarters. The museum offers rotating exhibits on Civil War topics, as well as a research library focused on the Defenses of Washington and the Civil War in general.

Beyond its historical significance, Fort Ward Park provides recreational opportunities for the local community. The park includes open fields, wooded areas, and walking trails that allow visitors to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Throughout the year, the park hosts various educational programs, living history events, and reenactments that bring the Civil War era to life for visitors of all ages.

The park also serves as a green space for the surrounding urban area, offering residents and visitors a place for picnicking, exercise, and relaxation. Its diverse landscape and historical features make it a unique destination that combines education, recreation, and natural beauty.