Fort Slocum Park
4.4 (160)park
4.4 (160)Walking paths wind past Civil War earthworks at this historic site built to defend wartime Washington.
Description
Constructed in September 1861 following the Battle of First Bull Run, the fort was built by the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers and named for their commander, Colonel John S. Slocum, who was killed in action at Manassas. At full expansion, the earthwork spanned a 653-yard perimeter mounted with 25 artillery pieces, positioned to command the intersection of Rock Creek Church Road. It later saw heavy engagement during the Confederate Raid on Washington in July 1864.