Fort Lesley J. McNair, Military base at Buzzard Point, United States
Fort Lesley J. McNair is a military installation at Buzzard Point where the Potomac and Anacostia rivers converge, housing administrative and educational facilities for the armed forces. The compound extends across roughly 28 acres with barracks, office buildings, and residential quarters inside a closed perimeter.
The fort originated in 1791 following defense plans Pierre L'Enfant drew up for the new capital, initially serving as an arsenal for the young republic. British forces looted the installation during the War of 1812 before it was used as a prison and execution site in the 19th century.
The National Defense University trains senior officers from different armed forces branches on this site and combines teaching with applied research. Seminar rooms and conference buildings regularly host international strategy discussions and training programs.
Access is restricted to military personnel, students of the defense university, and invited guests because the installation remains an active base. Tours are possible only through advance arrangement and security clearance.
The arsenal held and executed the conspirators behind President Lincoln's assassination, including Mary Surratt who became the first woman executed under federal authority. The executions took place in June 1865 and were witnessed by soldiers on site.
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