Fort Washington—The Capital’s Guardian

Fort Washington, directly across the river, is the oldest existing fortification erected for the defense of the national capital. It was begun in 1814 to replace the first fort, which was destroyed during the War of 1812 with Great Britain. George Washington selected the location in 1794 when construction of a fort on the Potomac was considered. The high masonry walls, gun positions, dry moat, and drawbridge illustrate principles of military science and architecture used during the nation’s early life.

Fort Hunt, Virginia · United States