On a tour of the the fort you can see the ceremonial entrance Gate," decorated with cannonballs and the castle symbol of the Army Engineers, the reconstructed wooden Officers’ Hut, a small quarters where high-ranking soldiers lived, and the underground bombproofs which were built to shelter 500 men each in case of attack. Infantry and artillery troops marched and drilled in the parade area, the open space in the center of the fort. The men who built and defended the fort were from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and other northern states. After duty in the Defenses of Washington, many were sent to serve in southern campaigns where the conditions of army life were considerably harsher than in the forts and camps around Washington.

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Visit the restored Northwest Bastion complete with cannon, powder magazine and ammunition filling room. Here you get the best sense of what the fort was like during the Civil War. When you look at the earthen walls of the fort and the outside ditch area, you can imagine how much effort and labor were required to construct the dense dirt walls. The Northwest Bastion area of the fort faces north toward Washington across the Potomac River and west toward the Shenandoah Valley.

When you leave the Northwest Bastion walk towards the adjacent North Bastion and look for the interpretive marker which notes where a connecting rifle trench was used to move troops to neighboring forts and batteries, especially in case of attack. After you tour the historic fort area be sure to take a walk around the 45 acres of park and picnic areas which surround the historic site.

School groups, senior citizens groups and others may request guided tours of the fort and Museum by advance reservation. School tours usually last 1 ½ hours and cost $2.00 per student. Up to 60 students at one time can be accommodated. Call 703-838-4848 for information on student and group tours.

A new tour option has been added, called “Meet and Greet”
10-minute introduction/orientation by Museum staff, followed by a self-guided walking tour. Available Tuesday through Sunday for groups of a minimum of 12 persons. Suitable for adults and/or children. Works well for home school groups with a variety of student ages, scouts, family groups, clubs. Must be booked in advance. No charge.

Related Topics

• Building an Earthwork Fort
• Glossary of Military Terms