Top 5 Civil War Sites and Points of Interest in Washington, D.C

There are several Civil War sites and points of interest in Washington, D.C. When you think of Civil War monuments in Washington, D.C. the Lincoln Memorial often springs to mind. The Smithsonian Institution, with their huge display of historic artifacts is often next on the list.

Actually, these two sites are the tip of the iceberg. Many others exist that are easily lost among the other museums, monuments and memorials. As the nation's capitol Washington, D.C. played a central role in the War Between the States. This article highlights 4 of the top Civil War sites.

#1 Top 5 Civil War sites and points of interest in Washington, D.C.
Ford's Theatre
511 Tenth St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004
Box Office: (202) 347-4833

Our family has visited this city many times. Ford's Theatre and the boardinghouse across the street are among our favorites.

One of the most critical moments in the conflict happened at Ford's Theater. This Civil War site and point of interest in Washington, D.C. is where John Wilkes Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln. From this point, John Wilkes Booth left to try to evade authorities.

Ford's Theater is next door to the Hard Rock Cafe. The simple building is still a working theater. Visitors can tour Ford's Theatre from 9:00 am '" 4:30 pm. daily except Christmas and when theater productions or preparations are in progress. There is no charge for the tour but visitors must obtain a ticket.

#2 Top 5 Civil War sites and points of interest in Washington, D.C.
Petersen Boarding House
516 Tenth St.
Washington, DC 20004

Another of the Civil War sites and points of interest in Washington, D.C. is the Petersen Boarding House. This is where the mortally wounded Abraham Lincoln was taken just after he was shot.

This quiet unassuming building is directly across the street from Ford's Theater. Much care has been taken to restore all of the rooms in the boarding house to exactly the way it was the night of the shooting. No room has received more attention than the room where President Lincoln passed away.

Parking is not available at either site. My family found that the best way to get there is by taking the metro or a cab. There is a stop about a block away. A cab can drop you in front of either building.

#3 Top 5 Civil War sites and points of interest in Washington, D.C.
Rock Creek National Park
Fort Stevens
5200 Glover Road NW
Washington DC 20015
Phone: (202) 895-6070

Fort Stevens provided a major point of defense for Washington, D.C. after the confederate army marched on the nation's capitol. The fort is part of what is now referred to as the Civil War Defenses of Washington, D.C.

Abraham Lincoln visited Fort Stevens to observe an assault by Confederate troops. Next to this is Battlefield National Cemetery. The National Park Services lists this battlefield cemetery as one of the smallest in the nation.

Rock Creek National Park is open from dawn to dust. In addition to Civil War history tourists can enjoy a visitor center, planetarium, hiking and more.

#4 Top 5 Civil War sites and points of interest in Washington, D.C.
African American Civil War Museum and Memorial
1816 12th St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
Phone: 202.667.2667

Information from the museum website tells us that this is the only museum in the U.S. that is dedicated solely to the achievements and contributions of "Colored Troops of the Civil War". the African American Civil War Museum and Memorial is free of charge but donations to help with upkeep and programs are encouraged.

#5 Top 5 Civil War sites and points of interest in Washington, D.C.
Lincoln Memorial
Erected in honor of President Abraham Lincoln, the site contains the monument and bookstore. Tourists can visit the monument anytime. Park rangers are on site from 9:00 am '" 11:30 pm daily except Christmas. The bookstore is open from 9:00 am '" 5:00 pm.

These are just a few of the Civil War sites and points of interest in Washington, D.C. Visitors can find out more by clicking the links above and by visiting Cultural Tourism D.C. or other online tourist websites.

Sources:
Personal Experience
African American Civil War Museum and Memorial
Civil War Traveler
Cultural Tourism D.C.
Ford's Theatre
National Park Service
Waymarking.com