Next weekend if you live near Washington, D.C. you may want to go to Fort Stevens to join in the commemoration of that battle. There are special activities planned for adults and kids, so it is a good place to take your kids or grandchildren to get them involved in learning about our history. Here is the press release from the National Park Service on this event:
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…