Located in Fort Ward Park in Alexandria, Virginia, Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site is a preserved military fort with a plethora of exhibits, displays, and programs centered on the Civil War period. It is regarded as the best-preserved of the Union forts from the Civil War and was used to protect Washington DC from the Confederacy.

Fort Ward Museum captures the site’s military history and houses many exhibits related to Civil War topics, education, and interpretive programs for students of all ages. It hosts tours, lecture and audiovisual series, bus tours, and living history activities year-round. The Museum and Historic Site also depict the city of Alexandria as an occupied city and its great role as a vital Union Army post and crossroads. Life within the Defense of Washington and the everyday life for Civil War soldiers and civilians are also reimagined here.

The historic fort provides guests with an excellent representation of Civil War-era military engineering. About 90% of the fort’s surrounding walls are original and preserved (over 90% of them). The Northwest Bastion was fully restored and reconstructed to its original glory also.  

Fort Ward was a particularly important post for the Union Army because of its proximity to our nation’s capital. The shelling of government buildings by Confederate troops worried Union commanders and President Lincoln himself, hence Fort Ward was seen as a critical final post.

The fort was named after US Navy Commander James H. Ward and at its peak during the war could hold up to 36 huge guns for its defense. Fort Ward was built by liberated slaves and largely due to its proximity to Washington DC, did not see any direct attacks from Confederate troops, hence its uniquely preserved appearance.

During the museum’s living history programs, visitors get the opportunity to meet and converse with actors portraying soldiers and other civilians of the Civil War era. Most actors love to receive questions from guests about the period and their activities; equipment and clothing all whilst striving to remain just like the character they portray. Living history presentations provide our guests with a unique insight into Civil War military exercises and drills and what life was like in the camp.

Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fort Ward Museum is open to the public Fridays and Saturdays (only) from 11am to 4pm (5pm close on Saturdays). The opening hours are currently reduced only on a temporary basis.

The park and historic site is open daily from 9am to sunset. The park office is open Tuesday through Saturday by appointment only 9am to 5pm.

Entry to the museum is by a suggested donation only and free to all residents of Alexandria, VA, AAM members, VAM members, all veterans, and any City of Alexandria employees.