The Secret Civil War Fort

Explore D.C.'s Secret Civil War Fort

Explore one of Washington D.C.’s most surprising and magical places, a Civil War fort that’s almost been swallowed by Rock Creek Park.

Barely known today, Ft. DeRussy is one of D.C.’s true hidden wonders, the site of one the least known, yet most consequential, battles of the Civil War. We’ll spend about an hour and a half walking around the fort, and I’ll tell the story of how, for a few hours in 1864, it was the most important place on earth.

​I’m David Plotz, your guide. I grew up in Washington, D.C. (near Ft. DeRussy), and I still live there today. I’m the longtime host of the Slate Political Gabfest, the CEO of City Cast, and the former CEO of Atlas Obscura. I’ve been leading this tour of Ft. DeRussy since 2016, and for years it was the highest-rated Airbnb Experience in Washington D.C. (It’s not listed on Airbnb anymore, which is a whole ridiculous long story I can tell you another time!).

I lead the tour about once a month, always on a Saturday or Sunday at 2 pm.

Here are a few things people have said about the tour recently:

“David is a fantastic storyteller. The details he shared and connections he made brought the story to life. Even my non-history-loving friend was on the edge of her metaphorical seat. Truly one of the best cultural/historical interpretation presentations I’ve experienced.”--Philip

“David’s incredible storytelling makes it magical”--Shannon

“One of the best and most engaging tours in the DC area (and we’ve been on a lot of them)...Couldn’t recommend it more”--Heather