Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia — History & Visitor Guide

Fort Ethan Allen (Arlington County, Virginia)

Arlington County · Virginia · Civil War

Quick BriefBuilt in September 1861 shortly after the First Battle of Bull Run, Fort Ethan Allen was an earthwork fortification on the Arlington County side of the Potomac River. President Abraham Lincoln visited during its construction, and together with Fort Marcy, it strengthened defenses on the northern flank of the Arlington Line as a critical element of Washington's fortifications. Though heavily armed, the fort saw no military action during the Civil War.

Civil WarCoastal defenseOpen to visitors

History & Significance

Fort Ethan Allen was an earthwork fortification that the Union Army built in 1861 on the property of Gilbert Vanderwerken in Alexandria County (now Arlington County), Virginia, as part of the Civil War defenses of Washington. Construction began in September 1861, shortly after the Army's defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run in late July.

The bastion-style fort followed engineering directives of Major John G. Barnard of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It maintained a perimeter of 768 yards with emplacements for 34 guns and included two bomb-proofs, ammunition magazines, and supporting structures.

Fort Marcy and Fort Ethan Allen protected approaches to Chain Bridge and were connected by trenches and earthworks extending to the Potomac River. The most memorable wartime occurrence was President Abraham Lincoln's visit during the fort's construction.

The fort experienced no military action throughout the Civil War; the only Confederate attack on Washington's fortifications occurred north of the city in 1864 at Fort Stevens. The National Park Service listed the fort on the National Register of Historic Places on February 11, 2004. The remains are now within Arlington County's Fort Ethan Allen Park.

Key Facts

StateVirginia

LocationArlington County

Established1861

War / eraCivil War

Current statusState or National Park

Coordinates38.92388889, -77.12388889

NRHP reference4000052

Map

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🧳 Visiting

What you’ll see when you visit:

Union earthwork fortification with surviving gun platforms and bastion remains
Bombproof structures and ammunition storage typical of Civil War-era design
Strategic position overlooking the Potomac River and Chain Bridge approach
Park setting in Arlington County with interpretive access to 1861 defensive works

Best time to visitSpring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer mild weather ideal for walking the earthwork remains and exploring the outdoor park grounds.

Getting thereRonald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is 10.9 km away; the fort is located in Arlington County, Virginia, minutes from central Washington, D.C.

From the nearest major airportRonald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)🚗 8 mi by road⏱️ ≈ 20 min drive

Fort Ethan Allen (Arlington County, Virginia)

History & Significance

Key Facts

Map

🧳 Visiting

Sources

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