A Civil War Fort in Alexandria: Fort Ward

Fort Ward Park in Alexandria, Virginia might seem like just a peaceful spot for picnics, dog walks, and jogs. But during the Civil War, the now pristine park was part of one of the most important defensive networks in the United States.

Fort Ward was a key piece of the Union Army’s strategy to protect Washington, D.C.. Today, the park tells important lessons and stories on military planning, engineering, and wartime readiness.

Fort Ward Cannon

Why Was Fort Ward Built

Fort Ward Earthworks

After Virginia began to secede April 17, 1861, the United States government recognized that it was on the border of hostile territory. When Virginia citizens officially ratified the secession plans on May 23, 1861, U.S. troops mobilized and crossed the Potomac River on May 24.

Consequently, Union forces were able to occupy Alexandria and Arlington. They were able to take key territory including high hilltops that would have been key terrain for Confederate forces. As the Union took the key terrain, they quickly set up a secure perimeter to protect the U.S. capital.

The United States Army constructed a ring of forts and batteries around the city. By the end of the war, this system included 68 major forts and 93 batteries. Together, they formed a massive network of protection known as the Defenses of Washington. These fortifications surrounded the city from all directions and were guarded by thousands of Union soldiers to prevent Confederate forces from attacking the capital.

Fort Ward's Role

Fort Ward was built in September 1861 and became one of the strongest and best-equipped forts in the entire system. It was named after Commander James Harmon Ward, who was the first Union naval officer killed in the Civil War. Fort Ward had an earthen perimeter of about 540 yards and included 36 gun emplacements. The walls were made of thick earthworks, approximately 20 feet wide and over 8 feet tall, with a deep ditch in front called a dry moat that was designed to slow down any potential attackers.

Its location was carefully chosen to guard two important routes: the Leesburg Pike (now Route 7) and the nearby Alexandria & Loudoun Railroad. Both of these routes led directly into the capital. By defending these approaches, Fort Ward helped keep Confederate troops from gaining access to Washington from the southwest.

Fort Ward Filling Room

Although no battles were fought at Fort Ward, it was a busy and active military post. Union troops rotated through the fort to stand guard, perform drills, and maintain the defenses.

One of the better-known regiments stationed there was the 57th Massachusetts Infantry. Life at the fort involved constant preparation, even without direct fighting, as soldiers had to be ready for a surprise attack at any time.

Key military figures involved in the planning and construction of Fort Ward and the surrounding forts included Major General John G. Barnard, the chief engineer of the Defenses of Washington. Barnard oversaw the design and layout of the entire system of forts.

General Joseph K. Mansfield, another important figure, helped with inspections and made sure each fort, including Fort Ward, was ready for battle if needed.

Fort Ward Today

Fort Ward Historic Marker

Thanks to ongoing preservation efforts, Fort Ward is one of the best-restored Civil War forts near Washington, D.C. Visitors today can walk through the reconstructed northwest bastion, view replica cannons, and explore a museum filled with Civil War artifacts, uniforms, and maps. The museum is located in the old caretaker's lodge and helps bring the story of the fort to life.

There were other locations around Alexandria that used to be forts including Fort Ellsworth, which was on Shuter's Hill. Unlike Fort Ward, there is no remnant of it today. On the hill now stands the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

Another location was Battery Rodgers. There is only a historic marker tucked into a neighborhood near Jones Point Park. As a result, it is important that Fort Ward remains preserved as it does because it gives visitors a chance to immerse themselves into the history of U.S. Army defenses during the Civil War.

Did You Know?

Fort Ward was armed with 36 cannons, including 12-pound howitzers, 24-pound siege guns, and 32-pound seacoast guns. These weapons were meant to defend against both infantry and artillery. Their presence sent a clear message to the Confederacy that Washington was heavily protected.

After the war, the land surrounding Fort Ward became home to a thriving African American community. Many of these families were formerly enslaved or had been free people who lived in the area during and after the war. In recent years, the city of Alexandria has worked to honor and preserve this part of Fort Ward’s story through archaeological research and public education.

Fort Ward may not have fired a shot in battle, but its strength helped protect the nation’s capital when it was most at risk. Today, it stands as a peaceful and educational park, a place where you can walk the same ground soldiers once guarded and learn about the remarkable history of the Civil War in the Washington region.

Profile of Fort Ward