Fort Davis Park

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Parks

District-Of-Columbia

Nearby: Hillcrest Community Playground Anacostia Park Tennis Courts

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Davis Park is a historic park located in the southeast quadrant of Washington, D.C.

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Summary

The park is named after the nearby Civil War fort which was built in 1861 to defend the capital city from Confederate forces. Today, the park offers visitors a chance to explore the fort's history, as well as enjoy the park's natural beauty.

There are several good reasons to visit Fort Davis Park. For history buffs, the park offers a chance to learn about the important role the fort played in defending the city during the Civil War. The park also has several trails for hiking, jogging, and biking, as well as areas for picnicking and relaxing.

One of the most popular points of interest in Fort Davis Park is the fort itself. Visitors can explore the fort's earthworks, as well as see the remains of the fort's barracks, powder magazine, and other structures. There is also a small museum on the site that displays artifacts and exhibits related to the fort's history.

Another interesting feature of Fort Davis Park is the nearby Oxon Run Stream Valley Trail. This trail runs through the park and offers visitors a chance to explore the park's natural beauty. Along the trail, visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including deer, turtles, and birds.

The best time to visit Fort Davis Park is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the park's natural beauty is at its peak. During the summer months, the park can be quite hot and humid, while the winter months can be cold and snowy.

Overall, Fort Davis Park is a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in history or nature. With its rich history and beautiful surroundings, it is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Washington, D.C.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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