Fort Stevens, Washington DC

Summary: In the heart of the Nation’s capital, just west of Georgia Avenue, President Abraham Lincoln risked life and limb to view the Civil War fighting on July 12, 1864 as Confederate General Jubal Early approached Washington from the north. It was the only time in our nation ‘s history when a sitting President came under fire during a battle. The area has been partially preserved and interpreted. But there is more to save.

The Fort Stevens area is also significant to the African American community because it is located on “Vinegar Hill,” the site of Washington’s oldest black settlement dating back to the 1820’s. Prior to that the area “Crystal Spring,” was the site of Washington’s earliest settlement dating back to the 1720’s.

A growing group of concerned citizens and historians would like to see all of the land protected and maintained and its important history interpreted as part of a Military Road School/Fort Stevens Heritage Area. The combined sites would offer outstanding opportunities to improve understanding of the Battle of Fort Stevens and the rich African-American history of the area-both to the residents who live there now and to thousands of visitors in the future.

Request For Assistance: The Military Road School Alumni Association requested National Park Trust’s assistance to preserve 11 acres of land near Fort Stevens located on Missouri Avenue, NW DC. The land is bordered by a vacant parcel owned by the National Park Service and historic Rock Creek Ford Road. The property is historically linked to Fort Stevens which is just two short blocks away. The National Park Service land was acquired during the 1930’s as part of the proposed Fort Circle Drive, which was never completed. The Military Road School Alumni Association wants to preserve more of this historic land and establish it as a historic site. It is also a potential education and recreation area.

NPT Role: National Park Trust purchased the property and held it for acquisition by the National Park Service; provided technical assistance in ascertaining whether legislation was needed to add the property to Rock Creek Park or whether an acquisition would constitute a minor boundary change that could be handled administratively; and, provided technical assistance in securing or allocating federal funding for NPS acquisition.

For more information contact: 
National Park Trust (NPT)
(202) 548-0500
npt@parktrust.org
http://www.parktrust.org