Fort Washington - Cambridge, MA
Posted by: 
Shorelander
N 42° 21.400 W 071° 06.272
19T E 326680 N 4691522
The only Revolutionary-era siege fortification ordered constructed by General Washington still extant in Boston.
Waymark Code: WM1G68
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 05/02/2007
Views: 111
The half-moon fortifications at Fort Washington Park date back to 1775. Fearing an attack from the Charles River, General George Washington ordered a series of these fortifications built along the banks of the river. Once the war ended, all the other fortifications were destroyed in the course of development, but Fort Washington stood until 1857, when it was bought by the state and restored. At this time, 3 cannons from Fort Warren in Boston Harbor were brought to the site, and a grand granite-and-iron fence was installed, designed by John R. Hall.
No battles were fought at this site, and no soldiers died. Currently the site is a park, most primarily used as a dog park for Cambridge residents. On any given snow-free day the park will be filled with roaming dogs.
Street address:
95 Waverly St
Cambridge, MA United States
02138
County / Borough / Parish: Middlesex
Year listed: 1973
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Event
Periods of significance: 1750-1799, 1850-1874
Historic function: Fortification, Park
Current function: Park (Dog Park)
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Privately owned?: Not Listed
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and brief account of your visit. Include any additional observations or information that you may have, particularly about the current condition of the site. Additional photos are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.