fort ward museum and park

PetePope1

The Civil War saw the deep concern of the residents that the Confederates would invade the city. They tried several times, once at Ft. Ward and again at Ft. Stevens in Maryland. Good little museum on the grounds and nicely preserved breastworks of the original fort.

duhkluck

Nice small museum and park. You can see everything in about an hour or less. The museum is small - one room but has a some interesting artifacts.

Anthony-Susan

Ft. Ward was one of 43 forts in the Washington area protecting our nation's capital during the Civil War. It is one of the few forts that have survived to this day with any degree of preservation. Stop by the small museum which provides an excellent history and description of the "defense of Washington" structure and strategies, with lots of memorabilia. During the summer, there are re-enactments, demonstrations, concerts and lectures. Check the schedule.

drudol

a great place to go for walks and they sponsor alot of historical events. it is much bigger than it looks from the street

jeffl499

Set on the west side of Alexandria, this park is a delight. It stretches over a number of acres as it phoused a major installation for the Union troops during the Civil War. Start with the museum to get a handle on what happened here and then explore the complex set of fortifications to get a feel of the war in progress. Stop periodically for views across the wall to imagine the enemy in camp along what is now I-395. A winding road the originates at the museum and parking lot is a great avenue for walking, running or biking. An outdoor pavilion on the west side is the venue for a variety of events during the summer. Enjoy this quiet venue set not too far from a major interstate and city thoroughfares.

VAChuck

This pleasant little park (probably little is not the correct word because it may have almost 50 acres) is a great place to walk or ride a bike on a finished surface with gently rolling hills. You can also relax on the grass, enjoy the small museum or read some of the placards and learn of the strategic importance of this place during the Civil War. The City of Alexandria website sums it up this way:"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)." So whether you are walking, riding, sun-bathing or cooking a barbeque consider this place for your next casual day out.

rmm0484

The park itself is very good, and the historical reenactments are outstnding. What is not good is that pedestrians and cars share the road, plus the street noise from I395 is quite audible. Creation of a pedestrian path or lane would help, or restricting access by car to the picnic areas.

Itsya36

Fort Ward is a small park on near the Virginia Theological Seminary; a little haven in the midst of the bustle of the City of Alexandria. It is quiet and the distance around the park is 1.0, with the interior filled with trees and a couple BBQ grills. Good place for musing and walking or packing a picnic lunch alone or with a group

FormerChicagoGal

Out of the mainstream but historically interesting ... and a lovely place to jog, walk, or just sit and meditate.

amanda483

It's a lovely little park, with parking inside, lots of trees, a small but nice play area for little people, great spot to have a picnic

franks616

A great park with plenty of history. Bring a picnic basket, go for a walk, and enjoy the sights and history.

wkiesel

I have lived in Alexandria for many years and often drove right by Ft. Ward. This place offers some great insight into the role Alexandria played during the Civil War. We really enjoy the grounds and museum and take out of town guests here.

whitecd2000

The personnel were very informative about the fort and the orientation film provided additional information. The fort is a simple structure of earthen works and various small buildings and cannon. It gave one a better idea how Washington DC was protected during the Civil War. A must see; and, it's free

Pdbeck

This civil war photo is partially restored and is a great connection to the military history of the area.

Davanden

This is a little piece of Civil War history, easily accessible by car. If you watch the schedule, you can catch demonstrations of artillery firing. The museum does a good job of telling the story of Alexandria during the period, and the gift shop includes books that give even more information.