Fort Ward – The Fifth Largest Fort Protecting Washington D.C. During The Civil War

Fort Ward, was named after Commander James Harmon Ward, whom became the first Union naval officer to die in the U.S. Civil War at the Battle of Mathias in King George County, Virginia. Fort Ward was constructed, within the Union occupied Alexandria County, Virginia, as the fifth largest fort protecting Washington D.C. during the course of the U.S. Civil War.

Fort Ward was one of the 163 forts that were part of the defense of Washington, D.C. from Confederate army attacks.

In present day the site of the fort has been turned into the Fort Ward Museum.