Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site

Fort Ward is the best preserved of the system of Union forts and batteries built to protect Washington, DC during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Fort Ward 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.

The historic fort provides visitors with an excellent understanding of Civil War-era military engineering. About 90% of the fort's earthwork walls are preserved and the Northwest Bastion has been restored and reconstructed to its original condition.

Current News and Information

CIvil War Sesquicentennial Events and Information

Civil War Balloon Launch Event, April 2012. One of the fun and informative Sesquicentennial events.

To help tell the story of the City's Civil War past, the Office of Historic Alexandria is holding many special events and exhibitions throughout the Civil War Sesquicentennial. Witness to war and reunion, Alexandria's place in Civil War history is truly unique. Learn more about Alexandria during the war with a wide range of historic resources.

• Civil War 150th Concert, Saturday, May 18, 7-8 p.m in the Fort Ward Park Amphitheater. Featuring the Federal City Brass Band.
• Civil War Fort Day, Saturday, June 8. Various aspects of military life in the Defenses of Washington will be portrayed by interpreters in period dress.
• Civil War Artillery Day, Saturday, October 5. With the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery.
• Soldier-led Tour of the Fort, November 9. Tour the historic fort with an interpreter in Union uniform who will highlight the history of Fort Ward and army life in the Defenses of Washington
• Civil War Christmas in Camp, Saturday, December 14.
• Exhibitions at Fort Ward Museum include The Marshall House Incident, which tells of the dramatic events that led to the first Civil War casualties.

Other News and Information

• The Office of Historic Alexandria is engaged in an effort to study and preserve the post-Civil War historic resources of Fort Ward Park. Learn more about recent archaeological excavations in the Park, the Stakeholder Advisory Group, and relevant archaeological and historical information. Visit the Park to see new historic signage highlighting the post-Civil War African American community known as "The Fort."
• Alexandria, surrounding jurisdictions and the National Park Service have created the Alexandria Civil War Defenses of Washington Bike Trail as part of the Civil War Sesquicentennial commemorations.

American Alliance of Museums
Accredited Museum