Fort Scott

Fort Scott is a military fortification located on elevated terrain in Arlington County, serving as part of the defensive network surrounding Washington D.C. The installation housed multiple cannons and mortars connected by military roads to neighboring defensive positions.

The fort was built in 1861 as one of 68 fortifications that transformed Washington D.C. into a heavily defended position during the Civil War. It represented a major strategic effort to protect the nation's capital from Confederate threats.

The fort represents the determination of Union forces to maintain control over the capital region during the American Civil War period.

The site sits on elevated ground offering good views of the surrounding area and was strategically positioned for early detection of threats. Visitors should expect uneven terrain and may encounter marked trails throughout the grounds.

The grounds were part of a 30-mile network of rifle trenches created around Washington D.C. during the war. This system was unprecedented in scale and represented one of the largest military construction projects of that era.

Location: Arlington County

Inception: 1861

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

GPS coordinates: 38.84600,-77.05900

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:02