Fort Washington Tutors

About Fort Washington

Just a few miles south of the National Mall along the banks of the Potomac River, Fort Washington, Maryland is a suburb of Washington D.C. Fort Washington, originally named Fort Warburton, started as a defensive fort constructed in 1809 on the river to protect the young nation’s capital. Unfortunately, the fort was blown up by its own men when British forces advanced on August 27, 1814 at the height of the War of 1812 with Great Britain. British cannon fire finished off the fort the next day. After the war, Fort Washington was slowly rebuilt and a new stone fortress completed in 1824. During the Civil War the fort was home to a garrison of Marines and was instrumental in the protection of the capital. No longer a military installation, today Fort Washington is a park with hiking, biking, fishing and plenty of historical significance. For most of its history the town of Fort Washington remained a rural enclave until after the 1960’s when the sprawl of Washington D.C. spread and the area’s population increased.

A Fort Washington tutor will keep you ahead of the academic curve so you can take some time away from your studies to enjoy Fort Washington as well as the excitement of the nation’s capital. For outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike Piscataway Park on the southern edge of Fort Washington is home to wetlands, meadows and woodlands as well as being the site of the National Colonial Farm, a historic agricultural museum established in 1958. Piscataway Park is an excellent place to view the likes of bald eagles, beavers, osprey and a wide variety of other wildlife. The National Colonial Farm takes visitors back to the 18th century with demonstrations by costumed guides of tobacco farming and life in a typical period kitchen and garden.

Across the Potomac from Piscataway Park, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is one of the area’s most visited tourist attractions. Built by Washington between 1758 and 1778 the first president’s home and plantation is the perfect example of 18th century architecture. Today, the 21-room house and grounds have been restored to reflect their original appearance during Washington’s life. Original portraits and possessions accentuate the realistic nature of the mansion. Mount Vernon also includes immaculately manicured gardens as well as the Washington Family Tomb. Today, more than one million visitors pass through the mansion and grounds of Mount Vernon.

Residents of Fort Washington and visitors alike will enjoy a short trip north to National Harbor, a 350-acre resort complete with shopping, hotels, restaurants and a marina. The Harbor is home to the Capital Wheel, a 180-foot observation wheel which features scenic views of the Potomac and the monuments on the National Mall. The MGM National Harbor is a luxury resort with gaming, high end dining and a 3,000-seat amphitheater. The National Harbor’s website boasts that there’s nowhere else on the “Eastern Seaboard you’ll find a mix of things to do, see and experience.” Over 10 million visitors a year come to National Harbor.