Fort Washington

Fort Washington is a U.S. unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) in Prince George's County, Maryland. It borders the capital of the U.S., Washington, D.C., and is a part of the Washington metropolitan area. The population was 23,717 as of the 2010 Census.

History

Fort Washington, established near the community of the same name, was for many decades the only defensive fort protecting Washington D.C. The original fort, overlooking the Potomac River, was completed in 1809, and was begun as Fort Warburton, but renamed in 1808. During the War of 1812, the fort was destroyed by its own garrison during a British advance.

The current historic fort — maintained by the National Park Service — was initially constructed in 1824. It is a stone structure and a well-preserved 19th century coast artillery fort.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 16.57 square miles (42.9 km2), of which 13.79 square miles (35.7 km2) is land and 2.78 square miles (7.2 km2) is water.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 23,717 people, 8,135 households, and 6,319 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,719.8 people per square mile (664.4/km²).

Education

Fort Washington is served by the Prince George's County Public Schools.

Notable people

• Sugar Ray Leonard, former professional boxer
• Jeff Green, professional basketball player

See also

• List of census-designated places in Maryland
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Prince George's County, Maryland