Fort Ward Museum

This well-preserved Union fort, located just outside Washington DC, is complete with a museum detailing life during the Civil War.

Fort Ward is the best preserved of the system of Union forts and batteries built to protect Washington, DC during the American Civil War. The museum interprets the site's history and offers exhibits on Civil War topics, education and interpretive programs, tours, lecture and video series, bus tours, and living history activities throughout the year. The museum and historic site also interpret Alexandria, Virginia as an occupied city, the city's role as a vital Union Army crossroads, life within the Defenses of Washington, and the everyday life of Civil War soldiers and civilians.

Featured Articles

How the Cherry Blossoms Came to Washington

by Edwin S. Grosvenor

Rarely has the full story been told about how a famed botanist, a pioneering female journalist, and First Lady Helen Taft battled reluctant bureaucrats to bring Japanese cherry trees to Washington.

Marilyn Monroe Gets Down to Business

by Holley Snaith

The world’s most prominent actress risked her career by standing up to one of Hollywood’s mega-studios, proving that behind the beauty was also a very savvy businesswoman.

Reconsidering Jimmy Carter

by Kai Bird

Often thought to have been a weak president, Carter was strong-willed in doing what he thought was right, regardless of expediency or the political fallout.

Bank Failures: As American as Apple Pie

by John Steele Gordon

Why have thousands of U.S. banks failed over the years? The answers are in our history and politics.

“With Malice Toward None”

by Jon Meacham

In his Second Inaugural Address, Abraham Lincoln embodied leading in a time of polarization, political disagreement, and differing understandings of reality.

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Fort Ward Museum

We hope you enjoy our work.

Featured Articles

Location

Hours

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Fees

38.829211, -77.101857

Fort Ward Museum

Featured Sites

We hope you enjoy our work.

Featured Articles

Location

Hours

Contact

Fees

38.829211, -77.101857