Fort C.F. Smith, Arlington

Fort C.F. Smith is a 19-acre historic park preserving a Union fortification built in 1863 as part of the Civil War defenses surrounding Washington, D.C. Initially called the “Fort at Red House” or Fort McDowell, it was renamed in June 1863 for Major General Charles Ferguson Smith. Its position on high ground near the Potomac River helped protect the northern end of the Arlington defensive line and approaches to the Aqueduct Bridge.

Considered the best-preserved Civil War fortification in Arlington County, the site retains portions of the parapets, defensive ditch, bombproof, north ammunition magazine, fort well, and 11 of its original 22 gun emplacements. A trail with asphalt, concrete, and gravel surfaces crosses wooded areas and an open meadow, with interpretive signs identifying historic features. The park also contains ornamental and rose gardens, a gazebo, restrooms, and the Hendry House, a restored 20th-century residence used mainly for meetings, weddings, and private events. The Fort C.F. Smith Visitor Center presents exhibits about the fort, Washington’s wider defensive system, and Union soldiers stationed in the area. Displays include archaeological artifacts, a replica military campsite, period-style uniforms, historical photographs, and an interactive database with information about individual soldiers.

County staff organize educational programs, guided activities, seasonal festivals, and occasional living-history events, although schedules and visitor-center access vary. The surrounding park is generally open from sunrise to sunset, allowing visitors to explore the surviving earthworks, trails, gardens, and interpretive signs independently.