Fort Totten

Fort Totten is a Civil War earthwork fortification in Northeast Washington situated on elevated ground about 3 miles north of the Capitol. The site preserves earth mounds, defensive ditches, and two powder magazines that demonstrate the original construction of the installation.

Construction of the fort began in August 1861 and was completed by 1863, equipped with approximately 20 cannons including a powerful Parrott rifle. The installation saw action during the Confederate attack in 1864 and served as a critical defensive position for the capital.

The fort was part of a network of defenses that protected the city during the Civil War and remains a symbol of the capital's wartime security measures. Visitors can see how this installation connected with other fortifications to create a protective ring around Washington.

The site is accessible via Fort Totten Metro Station, which connects to three transit lines and provides direct access to the park grounds. Walking trails and interpretive signs throughout the property help visitors understand the layout and purpose of the fortification.

The fort guarded President Lincoln's summer retreat at the Soldiers' Home while also serving as a strategic outpost positioned between two neighboring fortifications. This dual role as both a presidential security measure and a defensive anchor made it particularly important during the conflict.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: August 1861

Part of: Civil War defenses of Washington, D.C., Fort Circle Parks

GPS coordinates: 38.94861,-77.00472

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:00