Fort De Russy — Attraction in Washington

This is one of a ring of forts that surrounded Washington DC. When the Confederates attacked the ring, they hit Ft. Stevens - just a little down the road from this place. This place provided artillery support that eventually aided in discouraging the rebels from further incursions in this area and arguably saved DC. The fort is just off the main trail. One can make out the earthen walls without issue, and that’s 160 years later! Not much else is here but I think it’s important to realize that at the time this fort was in use, defense of this area was not a sure thing and this particular Confederate General had a reputation for burning - ask Chambersburg PA. This is a great place for US history. As with all NPS sites, you’ll want to check the website for self guided tour information as well as staff guided tour...

Fort De Russy requires a bit of imagination. You can walk onto the earth works and parapet and imagine the large guns firing and the Confederate Soldiers trying to make their way up the hill in the Battle of Fort Stephens on July 11 and 12 1864. Fort De Russy was one of several forts in that area of DC built to protect the city. It was a forest that was deforested as most of the trees were systematically chopped down to make it difficult for any advancing...

Very cool hidden civil war bunker hidden in one of Rock Creek Park’s many trails. Escape the urban jungle for an hour and feel like you’ve escaped into the middle of the untamed wilderness by venturing into this hidden fort. Don’t forget to climb up to the summit and enjoy the natural canopy and bench that transports you to what union soldiers felt when defending the fort over a century and a half ago. Bonus points if you’re in a small group or...