Civil War Defenses of Washington

11/11/2026

"With malice toward none with charity for all with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan ~ to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."

President Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural Address, March 4, 1865

Happy Veterans Day!

Photo 1: 122nd New York Volunteer Infantry monument, and 98th Pennsylvania monument, Battleground National Cemetery

Photo 2: Headstones at Battleground National Cemetery adorned with American flags.

Photo Credits: NPS Photo

11/10/2026

Special days for veterans’ celebrations have taken place as long as there have been veterans. This was the case with Civil War soldiers, including those who manned the Civil War Defenses of Washington.

Before Veterans' Day as we know it today, Civil War veterans kept the memory of their service alive through organizations like the Grand Army of the Republic, and celebrations including parades, monument dedications, annual national encampments, and battle reunions.

Most of the men who survived that war were long gone by the time Armistice Day was established in 1919 by a proclamation from President Woodrow Wilson in observation of veterans of World War I, which had ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the prior year.

In 1938, the day was made an official U.S. holiday. It was not until 1954 that the name was changed to Veterans Day and it became a holiday to honor all U.S. veterans.

Veterans Day is celebrated annually on November 11.

Photo 1: Civil War Veteran’s Grand Army of the Republic Badge and 6th Army Corps Reunion/36th National Encampment G.A.R. souvenir ribbon, Washington, DC, 1902.
Photo 1 Credit: NPS Photo/Bryan Cheeseboro

Photo 2: President Franklin D. Roosevelt speaking on Armistice Day 1935 at Arlington National Cemetery.
Photo 2 Credit: Library of Congress

11/09/2026

Teachers, this one is for you and your students! Join a ranger on Thursday afternoons at 3:00 for the Junior Ranger Discovery Club at Battleground National Cemetery to learn how to drill like a Civil War soldier and other fun Civil War topics.

Have you ever seen how soldiers of the American Civil War fought in battle and wondered, “Why did they fight that way?” Well, there’s no better way to learn than to practice what they did yourself!

The long guns the soldiers used, which had to be loaded and fired one shot at a time, had gone through changes before the war that did not require shoulder-to-shoulder formation.

Some of the older guns were still in use, though and the old ways of fighting with those guns were so ingrained in military tactics that it was necessary to have soldiers stand closely together to mass their firepower. This battle formation, more than exercises like running, jumping jacks, or push-ups, was what Civil War soldiers did in their “basic” training.

Teachers, we hope to work with you. Please encourage your students to stop by for a visit!

For details go to go.nps.gov/CWDWDiscoveryClub.

Photo - District of Columbia. Company E, 4th U.S. Colored Infantry, at Fort Lincoln
Photo Credit - Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division

09/22/2026

Happy first day of fall! Autumn is one of the most beautiful times in Rock Creek Park, but it's also our favorite season because we get to celebrate our birthday. Founded on September 27, 1890, Rock Creek Park turns 136 this year.

We aren't just celebrating one day, though. This party will go through the whole weekend of September 26 - 27. In addition to many of our regularly occurring programs, we have some great special events planned for Rock Creek Park Day this year.

- Are you a runner? Come enjoy the debut of a new Running with a Ranger tour Saturday and Sunday. This tour departs from Picnic Grove No. 1 near Peirce Mill at 9:30 am both days.

- On Saturday, we will be joined by our friends at City Wildlife outside the Nature Center from 10 am - 1 pm. Come learn about some of the urban wildlife in DC, how they are rehabilitated when bad things happen, and how you can help live safely alongside the animals in our nation's capital.

- Learn about America's First Park Rangers, the Buffalo Soldiers with reenactors. Find them from 10 am - 1 pm at Battleground National Cemetery on Saturday and Peirce Mill on Sunday.

For details on these events and all of the other great things happening for Rock Creek Park Day, check out go.nps.gov/ROCRcalendar

Photo 1: Boys Scouts posing for a photo during Rock Creek Park Day in 1964. NPS Photo.

Photo 2: A baby chipmunk drinks milk from a syringe. Courtesy City Wildlife.

Photo 3: A hawk is handled by a wildlife rehabilitator. Courtesy City Wildlife.

Photo 4: Troopers Michael Theard and Hardrick Crawford address students. Photo Credit: DC Chapter Buffalo Soldiers/Trooper Lynn R. Hill

09/21/2026

The Civil War Defenses of Washington preserve more than the remains of forts and earthworks, they preserve the stories of the people who served here.

Explore the stories of the United States Colored Troops, including William H. Carney and Christian Fleetwood, and discover more about the African American soldiers who helped defend Washington during the Civil War.

Read “Carrying the Flag” and explore more stories of the Civil War Defenses of Washington:

Carrying the Flag: African American Soldiers and Freedom in the Civil War

09/20/2026

Come give back to the Hiker-Biker Trail on National Public Lands Day!

Join a special trail work session in Fort Dupont Park to get the trail in great shape for fall and ready for more ambitious winter projects! All supplies and equipment will be provided and projects include ri***ng overgrowth, raking debris, removing trash, and documenting trail sections that need more attention.

When: Saturday, September 26
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Meeting Point: Randle Circle Picnic Area in Fort Dupont Park
What to wear and bring: Wear sturdy, closed-toe trekking shoes, long sleeves, pants, and bring sunscreen and water with you.

Sign up today: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000QWlJNYA1/national-public-lands-day-trail-maintenance-at-the-hikerbiker-trail


NPS Photo / C. Rubin-Thomas

09/18/2026

History comes alive at Fort Stevens!

Join us on Saturday, September 19, from 11 am – 2 pm as we commemorate the 102nd Lincoln-Thomas Day and explore the remarkable stories of Elizabeth Proctor Thomas and President Abraham Lincoln.

Thomas, a free Black woman, owned land that was taken by the Union Army during the Civil War to help construct Fort Stevens. Three years later, President Lincoln visited the fort during the Battle of Fort Stevens, becoming the only sitting U.S. president to come under enemy fire during the Civil War.

Come experience history where it happened, with President Abraham Lincoln and Elizabeth Thomas reenactors, U.S. Colored Infantry reenactors and a ceremonial wreath laying, musical performances, special remarks and a keynote presentation, the Posting of the Colors and National Anthem, and a children’s flag-making activity. Bring your family and discover the stories behind one of Washington, D.C.’s most fascinating Civil War sites!

Photo 1: Elizabeth Thomas with Civil War Veterans at Fort Stevens, 1911. Courtesy of The Historical Society of Washington.

Photos 2 & 3: Lincoln-Thomas Day photo. NPS/J. Land

Photos 4 & 5: Lincoln-Thomas Day photo. NPS/C. Waiters

08/30/2026

What an incredible National Park Week! Thank you to everyone who joined us to hike 🥾, paddle 🛶, dance 💃, explore🚶, learn🔎, create🎨, and celebrate 🎉 at Rock Creek Park.

From Peirce Mill and Old Stone House to Georgetown Waterfront, Meridian Hill Park, and the Civil War Defenses of Washington, you helped bring our parks to life. We'd love to hear from you!

Share your favorite photos from National Park Week in the comments or tag us in your posts using and .

Thank you for celebrating America's story with us—we can't wait to welcome you back for your next adventure!

08/28/2026

Strike a Pose... Civil War Style!

Ever wondered what you'd look like dressed for the 1860s? Visit our Civil War Stuff pop-up to explore the hats, uniforms, and clothing that tell the story of Civil War soldiers. Then create your own Abraham Lincoln-inspired paper hat, try on reproduction Civil War clothing, and snap a selfie at our Civil War Selfie Station! Make a hat, dress up for a selfie, and discover the stories behind Civil War uniforms.

Join us at Battleground National Cemetery on Saturday, August 29th from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and find out how good history looks on you!

Photo: Enlisted Man's Forage Cap, Model 1858
Photo Credit: Smithsonian Institution

08/27/2026

Play Like It's the 1860s! No batteries. No screens. Just imagination!

Step back in time and discover the games children played during the Civil War. Try your hand at marbles, hoop rolling, Jacob's Ladder, cup-and-ball, and more while learning what childhood was like over 160 years ago. Challenge your family and learn a new favorite game.

Fun for all ages. Come on out to Battleground National Cemetery on Friday, August 28 from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and play with us!

Which game do you think you'll win?

Photo: Illustration of a Jacob's Ladder toy
Photo Credit: Scientific American, Volume 61 No. 15, October 12, 1889