Thank you for joining our mission to support the Civil War Defenses of Washington through
preservation, awareness, and community. Our Board, Past Presidents, and Advisors work year-round to continually improve our common experience and enjoyment of the remains of the many Civil War Forts and Batteries that are in our own backyards. These places once protected our Nation’s Capital from attack and allowed the DC region to thrive as the epicenter of operations that saved the American Union and eradicated slavery throughout the land.
I was initially lured by Fort DeRussy, near my home, and dove deeper and broader from there. And I so often hear a similar experience of a point of entry from a Fort or Battery “down the street from where I live!” We know a lot, but still have much to learn about what was once one of the strongest system of fortifications ever built in history. We marvel in its details both small (the slightest evidence of the remnants of a Battery) or large (the Battle of Ft. Stevens, a day in time that saved the Capital).
We thank all of our supporters and visitors as together – with the indispensable support of the National Park Service – we better preserve these sites, spread the word, and come together as a community to learn about and celebrate the rich history in our midst.
With kindest regards,
Gary Thompson
President of the Alliance (also portrayer of Maj. Gen. Lew Wallace, the “Savior of Washington”!)
