Fort Washington Park is a 341-acre park located on a high ground overlooking the Potomac River and showcases a grand picturesque view of the Washington and Virginia shorelines. The first fort was completed in 1809 and was the only permanent fortification built as defense to river approach towards the nation’s capital. It was then destroyed by its own garrison in 1814 and days later Major Pierre L’ Enfant was tasked to construct new defenses but was then later replaced by Lt. Col. Walker Armistead. The new fort was completed on October 2, 1824. During the 1840s, several modifications were made on the fort and in 1846, the first guns were mounted. Considered to be the only defense on the Nation’s Capital during the Civil War and was garrisoned as outer defense for the city, until several temporary forts were constructed. In 1872 the garrison was removed and was abandoned for the next twenty years as funds were withdrawn.

Due to changing technologies, the fort was rendered useless, but the army used the site as a witness of the rich history of once the powerful fort that guarded the Chesapeake Bay. With over 180 years of army presence, the park was left with a different group of military fortifications and buildings. Today, only one defense gun stands in silence behind the massive wall, a silent witness of the rich military history of the fort.

Several activities can be experienced in Fort Washington Park such as portrayals of life in Fort Washington by a Civil War-era soldier. During weekends, park interpreters dressed in US Army uniforms, reenacted the life in the 19th century military garrison. Located also in the park, is the Fort Washington Lighthouse, built on the banks of the Potomac River, it was originally a fog bell tower but was adapted as a lighthouse when a nearby one was demolished in 1901. Picnicking and hiking are also popular activities that can be enjoyed by guests and visitors.