Fort Ethan Allen

Fort Ethan Allen is a Civil War military fortification in Arlington County that covers approximately 15 acres of land. The site features preserved earthwork walls, gun platforms, and a bombproof structure that give visitors a sense of the original installation.

The Union Army built this fortification in 1861 following the First Battle of Bull Run to protect Washington D.C. from the north. It became part of a larger defensive line near Chain Bridge.

The informational signs around the site describe how soldiers lived and worked during the Civil War, showing what their daily routines and duties involved. These panels help visitors understand the lives of the people who defended this position.

The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset and can be accessed through the area near Stafford Street with parking available nearby. The open layout makes it easy to walk the perimeter and view the preserved structures at your own pace.

The fort was originally designed to hold about 34 guns positioned along its perimeter, making it one of the largest defensive positions in the region at the time. This impressive scale and firepower are still visible today in the preserved gun platforms and earthworks.

Location: Arlington County

Inception: September 1861

Official opening: 1861

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

Address: 3829 N Stafford St, Arlington, VA 22207

Website: https://parks.arlingtonva.us/locations/fort-ethan-allen-park

GPS coordinates: 38.92444,-77.12361

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:26