Civil War Defenses of Washington, Washington D.C.

#339 among attractions in Washington D.C.

Sightseeing

Civil War Defenses of Washington location map

Map

Facts and practical information

The Civil War Defenses of Washington were a group of Union Army fortifications that protected the federal capital city, Washington, D.C., from invasion by the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. The sites of some of these fortifications are within a collection of National Park Service properties that the National Register of Historic Places identifies as the Fort Circle. The sites of other such fortifications in the area have become parts of state, county or city parks or are located on privately owned properties. A trail connecting the sites is part of the Potomac Heritage Trail. ()

Coordinates: 38°54'56"N, 77°5'20"W

Address

Northwest Washington (Foxhall-Palisades)Washington D.C. United States

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Day trips

Civil War Defenses of Washington – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: All Hallows Guild Carousel, Jesuit Community Cemetery, Kreeger Museum, Fletcher's Cove.

1.4 miNE
Amusement, Amusement ride, Amusement park
All Hallows Guild Carousel, Washington D.C.
37 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Washington D.C., the All Hallows Guild Carousel is a charming amusement ride that offers a delightful experience for children and nostalgia for adults. This historic carousel, located within the verdant surroundings of the National Cathedral’s...
1 miSE
Cemetery
Jesuit Community Cemetery, Washington D.C.
25 min walk • The Jesuit Community Cemetery on the campus of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. is the final resting place for Jesuits who were affiliated with the university. It was first established in 1808 and was moved to its present location in 1854.
0.4 miN
Museum, Art museum
Kreeger Museum, Washington D.C.
12 min walk • The Kreeger Museum is a modern and contemporary art museum located in Washington D.C. It is located in the former home of David Lloyd Kreeger and Carmen Kreeger. The Kreegers were highly involved in the Washington, DC arts and cultural community.
0.7 miW
Park, Shopping, Trail
Fletcher's Cove, Washington D.C.
19 min walk • Fletcher's Cove is a park and recreation area owned and managed by National Park Service, located at 4940 Canal Road, Washington, D.C. 20007, between Chain and Key Bridges, part of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
1 miE
Cemetery
Holy Rood Cemetery, Washington D.C.
26 min walk • Holy Rood Cemetery is located at 2126 Wisconsin Avenue N.W. at the southern end of Glover Park, adjacent to Georgetown in Washington, D.C. It is at one of the highest elevations in the city and has memorable views.
0.5 miW
Library
Palisades Library, Washington D.C.
13 min walk • The Palisades Neighborhood Library is a branch of the District of Columbia Public Library in the Palisades neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It is located at 4901 V Street NW.
1.2 miE
Museum, Art gallery
Addison/Ripley Fine Art, Washington D.C.
32 min walk • Addison/Ripley Fine Art in an art gallery in Washington, D.C. The gallery was established in 1981 and in addition to being an independent, commercial fine arts gallery, it also serves as an art consultant and curator to the Warner Building, Washington, D.C. and as art consultants to several Washington, D.
1 miS
Forts and castles
Fort C. F. Smith, Arlington
25 min walk • Fort C.F. Smith was a lunette that the Union Army constructed in Alexandria County, Virginia, during 1863 as part of the Civil War defenses of Washington. It was named in honor of General Charles Ferguson Smith, who died from a leg infection that was aggravated by dysentery on April 25, 1862. Fort C. F.
~1670 ftSW
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Georgetown Reservoir, Washington D.C.
9 min walk • The Georgetown Reservoir is a reservoir that provides water to the District of Columbia. Part of the city’s water supply and treatment infrastructure, it is located in the Palisades neighborhood, approximately two miles downstream from the Maryland–D.C. boundary.
0.8 miSE
Archaeological site
Potomac Palisades Site, Washington D.C.
21 min walk • The Potomac Palisades Site is an archaeological site in Washington, D.C. United States. Measuring approximately 1 acre in area, the site lies near the intersection of MacArthur Boulevard and Foxhall Road, along the Potomac River.
0.8 miSE
Observatories and planetariums
Georgetown University Astronomical Observatory, Washington D.C.
21 min walk • The Georgetown University Astronomical Observatory was founded in 1841 by Father James Curley of the Department of Physics at Georgetown College.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Civil War Defenses of Washington?

Nearby attractions include St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, Washington D.C. (4 min walk), Colony Hill, Washington D.C. (8 min walk), Georgetown Reservoir, Washington D.C. (9 min walk), Castle Gatehouse, Washington D.C. (9 min walk).

How to get to Civil War Defenses of Washington by public transport?

The nearest stations to Civil War Defenses of Washington:

Bus

N Lorcom Ln at N Edgewood St • Lines: 62 (31 min walk)