FORT TOURS IN HONOR OF ARMED FORCES DAY AT FORT WARD MUSEUM & HISTORIC SITE

Soldier-led tours of historic Fort Ward will be held on Saturday, May 16, in honor of Armed Forces Day.   Tours are scheduled at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and last 90 minutes each.   The tours are free, and begin in the Museum.  No reservations are required.   Tours are weather dependent.

Fort Ward staff member Kevin Moriarty, dressed in Union uniform, will present  an orientation to the Defenses of Washington and a guided tour of historic Fort Ward, one of the largest of the forts that guarded the Federal capital during the Civil War.    Learn about the fort’s history, how a Civil War fort was built, soldier life in the Washington area, and weaponry of the period.   In addition to viewing many of the fort’s preserved earthen remains, participants will visit the reconstructed Officers’ Hut, furnished as a typical quarters in the Defenses of Washington, the fort’s reconstructed ceremonial entrance gate, and the fully restored Northwest bastion of the fort.

Fort Ward is the best preserved fortification in the Civil War Defenses of Washington, an extensive system of forts built to protect the Union capital during the Civil War.  The Museum offers changing exhibits, tours, and public programs throughout the year.  Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is located at 4301 West Braddock Road.  For more information, please visit www.fortward.org, or call 703.746.4848.