Fort Washington is located near the town of Fort Washington, Maryland and was for a long time the only fort protecting Washington D.C. The original fort was completed in 1809 and overlooked the Potomac River. During the War of 1812 during an advance by the British, the fort was destroyed by its own garrison. The current fort was built in 1824 from stone, with a straight cannon shot down the Potomac River. The fort was completely remodeled in the 1840s and in the 1890s and was turned over in 1946 to the U.S. Department of the Interior. Fort Washington Park has expansive grounds with hiking and biking trails and a scenic area for picnicking and fishing. There is a small museum, and occasionally park rangers organize historic re-enactments.

13551 Fort Washington Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.