The Atlas Obscura Guide To Fort Washington

4 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Fort Washington, Maryland

Updated October 16, 2017

Unusual Attractions in Fort Washington

Fort Washington, Maryland

Fort Washington

This fort down the Potomac from Washington, D.C. was once the only defensive fort protecting the capital.

Fort Washington, Maryland

Fort Foote Rodman Guns

A mammoth pair of Civil War artillery guns abandoned out in the forest.

Metal base that supported the fountain bowl.

Fort Washington, Maryland

Remains of Truxton Circle Fountain

Remains of a historic fountain that was mysteriously lost in the demolition of a D.C. traffic circle.

Fort Washington, Maryland

Woodrow Wilson Bridge

This rare triple-jurisdiction drawbridge passes through Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

Are we missing something unusual?

Add it!

Alexandria, Virginia

P.O. Box 1142 Memorial

This simple stone memorial remembers a secret, Geneva Convention-defying interrogation base from WWII.

1 mile from Fort Washington

Alexandria, Virginia

George Washington Memorial Tree

In 1932, Americans honored their first president's 200th birthday by planting trees.

2 miles from Fort Washington

Alexandria, Virginia

Civil War Graffiti at Washington's Tomb

The tomb was guarded by soldiers from both sides of the war, and some left their initials carved in the brick.

3 miles from Fort Washington

In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

8 Historic Military Relics in Maryland

Maryland has the distinction of being one of the first states to officially join the Union in 1788—and as such, it’s played both big and small roles in various battles across the nation's history. Here are eight nods to its military past, ranging from a furnace that produced George Washington’s cannonballs to an unusual museum dedicated to the U.S.'s cryptographic history.

View Itinerary