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Welcome to Fort Foote Park!
Fort Foote was one of more than 60 forts that were built to protect the nation's capital during the Civil War. Today the site is maintained by the National Park Service.
What was the fort like during the Civil War?
The front of the fort was over 500 feet long and the earth walls were 20 feet thick, and lined with wood. A central traverse ran the length of the fort and contained bombproof magazines and storage areas. Twelve cannons were placed on the walls of the fort: two 15-inch Rodman guns, four 200-pounder Parrott rifles, and six 30 pounder Parrott rifles. The garrison lived in frame buildings outside the fort. Typhoid and malaria were a constant threat. A 40-foot hospital was located at the post, and it came in handy, since sometimes half the garrison were on sick list at one time!
What can we see here today?
Today the area is a quiet place to enjoy nature. Take a hike and enjoy the view from the bluff. Explore what is left of the fort, and imagine what it was like when hundreds of soldiers lived and worked here. Examine the 15-inch Rodman guns on display. These were the largest cannons used during the Civil War. Each cost $9000. The gun barrel of a 15-inch Rodman weighs 50,000 pounds and is more than 15 feet long. |