Witness Civil War history at Fort Stevens Day on July 11 in Washington, D.C.

Contact: NCR Communications

WASHINGTON - The National Park Service and the Alliance to Preserve the Civil War Defenses of Washington invite the public to Fort Stevens Day on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fort Stevens, 13th Street NW and Quackenbos Street NW.

The free, family-friendly event commemorates the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Fort Stevens, the only Civil War battle fought in Washington, D.C., and the only time a sitting U.S. president came under enemy fire.

Visitors are invited to:

• Stand where history happened at the only Civil War battlefield in Washington, D.C.
• Meet Abraham Lincoln, Elizabeth Keckley, Matthew Brady, Elizabeth Thomas, Lew Wallace and other figures connected to the battle.
• Hear Civil War history come alive through rifle firing demonstrations using blank charges, artillery talks, military drills and living history programs.
• Explore the stories of the United States Colored Troops, Buffalo Soldiers, military families, civilians, nurses, surgeons, teachers, photographers and others who shaped the Civil War era.
• Bring children to hands-on Junior Ranger activities, including Civil War toys and games, crafts, flags, fort-building, spy activities, signal stations, photography and a kids' Civil War tent.
• Step inside Emory Gym for air conditioning, restrooms, museum exhibits, a recreated field hospital, author tables and programs on Civil War fashion, sewing and daily life.
• Stay for "In the Steps of the Fallen," a ranger-led walk from Fort Stevens to Battleground National Cemetery at 1:50 p.m.

Event highlights:

Opening remarks begin at 10 a.m. in the big tent. Civil War rifle demonstrations are scheduled for 10:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.; DC Public Library story time is scheduled for 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.; and the 8th Green Machine Civil War Brass Band performs from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Food trucks will be on-site throughout the event.

About Fort Stevens Day:

Fort Stevens Day is part of the National Park Service Freedom 250 initiative, which connects the stories of parks and communities to the nation's continuing journey toward freedom, civic engagement and stewardship.

Admission is free. Bring your family, invite a friend and experience the place where the Civil War reached the nation's capital.

More information:

For more information and the full schedule of events, visit:
https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/special-events-2026.htm