Seminary Hill in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Welcome to Historic Fort Ward Park

— City of Alexandria, Virginia —

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 21, 2025

1. Welcome to Historic Fort Ward Park Marker

Inscription.
Fort Ward Park is a 43.46 acre park owned and operated by the City of Alexandria, and designated as a historically significant site on the National Register of Historic Places. Fort Ward was one of the largest of the Union forts that comprised the Civil War Defenses of Washington, and today is the best preserved of the few fort sites that still exist in the region. Following the Civil War, an African American community, known as "The Fort," was established on the grounds and in the vicinity of present-day Fort Ward Park, which generated a century-long legacy of community life and heritage that preceded the founding of the Park in the early 1960s.

Today, Fort Ward Park features multiple historic and recreational resources:

About 90% of the Civil War fort's original earthwork walls remain, and the Northwest bastion of the fort is authentically restored. A self-guided tour of the historic fort begins at the Fort Ward Ceremonial Gate.

The Museum contains an outstanding Civil War collection, and offers exhibits, public programs, and a specialized reference library. Evidence of the post-Civil War "Fort" community, including sacred burial sites, archaeological findings related to building sites, heritage trees and road traces have been preserved and documented.

Park amenities include picnic areas, a playground, an amphitheater, and public restrooms.

For additional information on Fort War, please visit:
www.alexandriava.gov/FortWard

Erected by City

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of Alexandria, Virginia.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Defenses of Washington, and the Virginia, The City of Alexandria series lists.

Location. 38° 49.767′ N, 77° 6.113′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Seminary Hill. It can be reached from West Braddock Road east of North Howard Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4301 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria VA 22304, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 21, 2025

2. Welcome to Historic Fort Ward Park Marker

of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Entrance Gate to Fort Ward (within shouting distance of this marker); African Americans and the Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); Bombproof (within shouting distance of this marker); "The Fort" and "Seminary" Community (within shouting distance of this marker); The Oakland Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); From Fort to Community (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Ward (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Ward (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

Other markers no longer nearby. Fort Ward (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Entrance Gate to Fort Ward / Officers' Hut (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Bombproof (was within shouting distance of

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this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Fort Ward (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Additional commentary.
1. About the marker
While this marker is in a glass covered case, it is made of durable materials and would otherwise qualify as permanent if displayed outside of the case.

— Submitted April 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 275 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.