Fort Jackson, Civil War fort in Arlington County, US.
Description
Fort Jackson is a small fortification in Arlington County that stands near the Potomac River as part of a Civil War defense system. It was built with two other forts to protect the Long Bridge, which connected Virginia to Washington DC.
History
The fort was established in 1861 and served primarily as a checkpoint for bridge traffic during the Civil War. It functioned more as an inspection post than as a heavily fortified position protecting the strategic crossing.
Culture
The fort represents early Union military engineering and defensive strategy, demonstrating the methods used to protect the capital during the American Civil War.
Practical
The site is maintained by the National Park Service and is freely accessible to visitors. It offers views across the Potomac and allows you to walk through part of the historic defense system that once surrounded Washington DC.
Did you know?
The fort was the smallest of the three fortifications with just a few cannons and focused more on monitoring than defense. Its limited military role makes it an often overlooked example of how the war was logistically organized around the capital.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Arlington County).
The Pentagon
1.1 km
Jefferson Memorial
1.2 km
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
1.7 km
Pentagon Memorial
1.5 km
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
1.5 km
National Military Command Center
1.2 km
Tidal Basin
1.5 km
The Anthem
1.7 km
Jefferson Davis Highway
678 m
Victims of Terrorist Attack on the Pentagon Memorial
1.7 km
West Potomac Park
1.7 km
14th Street Bridges
432 m
East Potomac Park
1.4 km
George Mason Memorial
984 m
Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac
1.2 km
Navy – Merchant Marine Memorial
747 m
Cuban Friendship Urn
904 m
Synetic Theater
1.7 km
Ohio Drive SW
1.4 km
Long Bridge
519 m
Fort Runyon
1.1 km
Bridge Tender's House
593 m
Francis Case Memorial Bridge
1.5 km
Japanese Lantern
1.7 km
Japanese Pagoda
1.3 km
Lady Bird Johnson Park
1.1 km
National Capital Parks Headquarters
945 m
Air Mail Marker
1.2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes