The Explore Forts Blog
Stories, guides, and history from America’s forts — trip ideas, era deep-dives, and preservation news.
July 13, 2026Forts Along the Oregon Trail: The Emigrants' Lifeline From Kansas to the ColumbiaThe major forts along the Oregon Trail, listed east to west — Fort Leavenworth, Fort Kearny, Fort Laramie, Fort Bridger, Fort Hall, Fort Boise, and Fort Vancouver — and what survives at each today.
July 13, 2026Forts in Washington State: From Fur Trade Posts to the Triangle of FireA visitor's guide to the forts in Washington state — Fort Vancouver, Fort Worden, Fort Casey, Fort Flagler, Fort Nisqually and more — organized by era with access notes.
July 13, 2026Forts Near Charleston SC: A Visitor's Guide to the Harbor's Historic DefensesThe forts near Charleston, SC worth visiting — Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, Fort Johnson, Castle Pinckney, and the story of Fort Wagner — with access notes for each.
July 13, 2026Forts Near Savannah GA: Pulaski, Old Fort Jackson, McAllister and BeyondThe forts near Savannah, GA worth visiting — Fort Pulaski, Fort James Jackson, Fort McAllister, and Fort Screven on Tybee Island — plus coastal day trips to Fort King George and Fort Frederica.
July 13, 2026Forts Near Washington DC: Exploring the Civil War Defenses of the CapitalThe best forts to visit near Washington, D.C. — Fort Stevens, Fort Ward, Fort Washington, Fort Foote and more — remnants of the ring of 60+ forts that defended the capital during the Civil War.
July 11, 2026Best US Forts for a Family Day Trip With Educational ActivitiesEight historic forts across the U.S. that make great family day trips — living history programs, hands-on demonstrations, junior ranger activities, and what to expect at each.
July 11, 2026List of Historical Forts Open to the Public in the US (By Region)A region-by-region list of historical forts open to the public in the United States — Northeast, South, and coastal Florida — with era, location, and access notes for each.
July 11, 2026What Are the Most Well-Preserved Civil War Forts in the South?The best-preserved Civil War forts in the South — Fort Pulaski, Fort Sumter, Fort Morgan, Fort Pickens and more — with what survives at each and why it matters.
July 10, 2026What Are the Most Popular Historic Forts to Visit in the United States?The 10 most popular historic forts to visit in the U.S., from Fort McHenry to the Dry Tortugas — what makes each one worth the trip, plus practical visiting notes.