Page updated Feb 9 2012 10:14 a.m.

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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

• Check out the full list of Civil War Sesquicentennial events coming up!
• Registration is now open for Civil War Kids' Camp, a week of fun and learning for children ages 8-12 from June 25 to June 29. Camp will introduce young people to life during the Civil War and activities include drilling, craft projects, Civil War food and music, visits by reenactors, 19th-century games, lessons on Civil War flags and setting up Civil War tents. Click here for more information and an application. 
• Witness to war and reunion, Alexandria's place in Civil War history is truly unique. 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 Sesquicentennial. Learn more about Alexandria during the war with a wide range of historic resources.
• The Office of Historic Alexandria is engaged in an effort to study and preserve the 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.
• 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.

 

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