It’s easy to see why this was chosen as the location on the Potomac River for Fort Washington – it commands an expansive view of the city, from the National Cathedral on the far distant left to the Washington Monument and beyond on the right. The closer area on the left is Alexandria, Virginia, and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, which connects Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Best viewed at original size

*****

Fort Washington, located in Maryland, was for many decades the only defensive fort protecting Washington, D.C. The original fort, overlooking the Potomac River, was completed in 1809, and was begun as Fort Warburton but renamed in 1808. During the War of 1812 the fort was destroyed by its own garrison during a British advance.

The current historic fort -- maintained by the National Park Service -- was initially constructed in 1824.

‘Luxury condo on Capitol Hill -- *$50 a night!!!’ posted earlier