October 5, 2014

Fort Washington Park, Maryland

Fort Washington Park for many decades was the only defensive fort protecting Washington D.C. 

 

 

 

 

The National Park Service maintains the current historic fort constructed in 1824. 

 

 

 

 

We timed our arrival perfectly to attend a guided tour led by a ranger dressed in authentic Civil War uniform.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shortly after the tour, there was a demonstration of canon firing procedures performed by volunteers also dressed in authentic Civil War uniforms.

 

 

 

 

After we left the fort we drove a short distance to the National Colonial Farm. 

 On the way we encountered a snake in the middle of the road.

Monte got out and prodded it to cross the road with the aid of a bamboo pole.

The National Colonial Farm was founded in 1957 to protect the view from Mount Vernon across the Potomac River. 

 

 

The National Colonial Farm depicts a Maryland middle-class family farm on the eve of the American Revolution. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During our visit we encountered the “mistress” of the house and her friend who gave us a glimpse into the daily life on the farm. 

We also visited the tobacco barn, animal barn and dock.

 

 

 

 

Mount Vernon far off in the distance across the water 

 

 

 

 

Before heading home we stopped at Piscataway Park home to bald eagles, beavers, deer, foxes, ospreys, and many other species. 

 

 

 

There is a boardwalk over the fresh water tidal wetlands.