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Fort Ward Observer Fort Ward may be the greatest success story. By 1961, the city purchased the fort and surrounding land, approximately 40 acres. Glenn Eugster
Alexandria, VA.

Fort Ward Park was established by the City of Alexandria, as a historic park, in 1964 through a collaborative effort, which began in the early 1950’s between local homeowners, citizens, historians, civic associations, City Park, Public Works, and Planning Department managers and local elected officials. The purpose of the Fort Ward Observer is to provide community interests with information on wha

t is being considered, proposed and underway in Fort Ward Park and its surrounding area. Preservationists made the Alexandria City government aware of Fort Ward in 1953 and voiced demands for its purchase and preservation. This influenced one writer to remark, "Fort Ward, which has been reconstructed, is the best example of an earthwork fort." It then undertook a preservation and reconstruction plan, to make the northwest bastion appear as it did during the Civil War and to construct buildings patterned after those pictured in Matthew Brady photographs taken at the various forts in the Defenses of Washington. The park opened and was dedicated on May 30, 1964, during the Civil War Centennial. At times, the city has over-emphasized its recreational facilities and, as a result, interested individuals organized the Friends of Fort Ward to fight for the historical aspects of the park. With its reconstructed bastion, a museum with superior quality artifacts, an exemplary educational program, and a fine recreational facilities including an amphitheater, it is currently the premier Civil War Defenses of Washington fortification site in the Washington area. [37]

For more information on Fort Ward Park see:

http://glenneugstercomcastnet.blogspot.com/

J.

08/10/2025
Looking Back at Fort Ward Park: 2013From: "Tom Fulton" Date: March 14, 2013 8:24:02 AM EDT To: , Cc: "Laura Durham" ,...
08/10/2025

Looking Back at Fort Ward Park: 2013

From: "Tom Fulton"

Date: March 14, 2013 8:24:02 AM EDT To: , Cc: "Laura Durham" , …
… , "Ries, Linda" , "Ripley Forbes" , "Voorhees, Philip" , "Walpole, Jim"

Subject: My resignation

Dear Members of the Fort Ward Advisory Group:

After much thoughtful consideration I have decided to resign as a member of the Ad Hoc Fort Ward Park and Museum Area Stakeholder Advisory Group effective March 31, 2013. My letter to Mayor Euille is attached. I should note that my resignation will require the group to elect a new Chairman. It has been a tremendous honor to serve with each of you. Your dedication to the cause of making Alexandria a wonderful place to live has inspired me and others to more clearly see the important role that individual citizens play in the continued wellbeing of our city. I wish each of you the best.



Sincerely,



Tom Fulton

4020 Ellicott Street

Alexandria, VA 22304

Photo: Tom Fulton, left, in front of the Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery at Fort Ward Park.

08/10/2025
Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery Fence at Fort WardButch Terrell of the Oakland Baptist Church called me yesterday to le...
07/10/2025

Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery Fence at Fort Ward

Butch Terrell of the Oakland Baptist Church called me yesterday to let me know that a contractor will be replacing the cemetery fence. The church received assistance to replace the fence because the cemetery is on the National and Commonwealth Register of Historic Places. Work begins on Thursday morning, October 9, 2025.

U.S. Department of Interior Award. 2008.
07/10/2025

U.S. Department of Interior Award. 2008.

06/10/2025

Did you know that the Alexandria Historical Society’s History Grants can be used for any research, preservation, and interpretation project connected to Northern Virginia and DMV history?

What about an exhibit about the history of food trucks in Arlington? Eligible!

A book about tourism at Mount Vernon? Eligible!

A wayside in Prince George’s County about local Civil War history? Eligible!

A research project about commuting from DC to Alexandria? Eligible!

An Indiana Jones-style expedition to the find General Braddock’s gold in Fairfax? Not eligible because that’s a myth.

A documentary about the history of the Braddock’s Gold myth? Eligible!

An oral history project about long-time DMV employees and how the process of obtaining a driver’s license has changed over time? Well, when we said DMV we meant the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, but provided that said employees live or work in these areas, yes, that project is eligible!

Hurry! The deadline for submitting a grant application is October 15. More details can be found on the AHS website (link in comments).

Credit: National Archives and Records Administration

"There are hard feelings and this park is part of that. We have a chance to begin to heal. I suggest that we add one sen...
05/10/2025

"There are hard feelings and this park is part of that. We have a chance to begin to heal. I suggest that we add one sentence at the beginning of this detailed and long document plan. That one sentence will now read:

The City of Alexandria affirms that significant parts of Fort Ward Park are hallowed ground.

What would Mr. Day or Viola Lawson say about this? Imagine what went on in the 1950-60‘s. We were told about eminent domain, threats and intimidation. The term “hallowed” goes a long way toward beginning to heal. Words matter. If the grave markers were discarded that is unfortunate.

The [Fort Ward] community was a living place. The statement that the Acting City Manager proposed is legalese and by committee. Mine is about feeling and healing. Add the sentence to begin healing and offer the feeling of the plan".

Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg
City of Alexandria, VA.

City Council Public Hearing on the Fort Ward Park and Museum Proposed Management Plan.

January 24, 2015

“Also, as the fort is on high ground over looking Washington a vista should be cleared towards Washington”.Letter from C...
05/10/2025

“Also, as the fort is on high ground over looking Washington a vista should be cleared towards Washington”.

Letter from Charles Hendryx, City Arborist, the City of Alexandria, VA. to Mrs. R. F. S. Starr
4443 Seminary Road
Alexandria, Virginia

May 11, 1959

“History and culture was the framework for why this place was created.” James Spengler, Director, City of Alexandria, VA...
04/10/2025

“History and culture was the framework for why this place was created.”

James Spengler, Director, City of Alexandria, VA. Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Activities.

December 8, 2009. Fort Ward Park & Museum Advisory Group. 1st meeting.

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