Fort Williams

Fort Williams is a fortification on elevated ground in Alexandria built during the Civil War. The remaining earthworks and timber structures are now part of a city park open to visitors.

The fort was built in 1861 after the Union defeat at Bull Run as part of a defense system for Washington. It was one of many fortifications constructed during the war to protect the capital.

The fort shows how soldiers built defensive lines using simple materials during the Civil War. Walking through the grounds gives a sense of how people lived and worked closely together in those times.

The site is accessible through a city park with walking trails and viewpoints of the surrounding area. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the ground is uneven and paths vary in difficulty.

The fort once held one of the largest cannon batteries in Washington's defense line and shaped the military strategy of the time. Today the exact positions of the guns are still marked on the grounds.

Location: Alexandria

Inception: 1861

Part of: Civil War defenses of Washington, D.C.

GPS coordinates: 38.81180,-77.09000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:04