In a raid on July 11, 1864, Confederate General Jubal Early attacked Fort Stevens, the northernmost of the defensive ramparts ringing DC. A small but fierce battle raged for two days – the only time the Civil War touched District soil – until Early’s men withdrew across the Potomac. The fort has been partially restored, but the site is pretty neglected overall.

Abraham Lincoln himself was drawn into the shooting: the president, observing the battle from Fort Stevens’ parapet, popped his head up and almost got hit by sharpshooters. It's the only time in American history that a sitting president came under direct fire from an enemy combatant.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Battleground National Cemetery

0.46 MILES

The 41 Union men who died defending Fort Stevens are buried at this tiny, poignant cemetery, a half-mile north of the old fortification.

2. Rock Creek Park

1.11 MILES

At 1700-plus acres, Rock Creek is twice the size of New York’s Central Park and feels wilder. Terrific trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding…

3. Nature Center & Planetarium

1.23 MILES

The Nature Center & Planetarium is the main visitor center for Rock Creek Park. Besides exhibits on park flora, fauna and history, it can provide hiking…

4. President Lincoln's Cottage

1.78 MILES

History buffs can make the trek to President Lincoln's summer house tucked away on the grounds of the Soldiers' Retirement Home. Abe came here to beat the…

5. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

1.91 MILES

The former estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post of Post cereal fame, this lavishly decorated 1920s mansion showcases her extraordinary collections of…

6. Soapstone Valley Trail

2.03 MILES

This rugged 1-mile trail follows along Soapstone Creek and makes a nice add-on to a hike in Rock Creek Park. Access the trailhead on Ablemarle St NW,…

7. Peirce Mill

2.04 MILES

Alongside Rock Creek, the 1829 Peirce Mill is a beautiful fieldstone building that houses a recently restored gristmill – the last of the mills that once…

8. Saint John Paul II National Shrine

2.27 MILES

An adjunct for many devotees who visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, this modernist-style structure is an unexpected…