In 1808, the first fortifications were constructed. These fortifications were earthworks with a battery of twelve guns. In 1814, the fort was destroyed. In 1822, a new stone fort was completed and a small unit of artillerymen and engineers... see more » In 1808, the first fortifications were constructed. These fortifications were earthworks with a battery of twelve guns. In 1814, the fort was destroyed. In 1822, a new stone fort was completed and a small unit of artillerymen and engineers occupied the fort. In the mid 1840's, powder magazines and 88 gun platforms were being constructed as part of a project to repair and strengthen the fort. During the Civil War, the fort was garrisoned by forty marines for the purpose of protecting public property. The marines were relieved the same year by U.S. Army Recruits and the 1st U.S. Artillery. The fort was heavily armed with magazines full of hand grenades, cartridges, bombs, fuses, and barrels of gunpowder. In November 1861, the fort had five 32 pounders, six 8-inch seacoast howitzers, twenty-five mounted 24-pounder guns, an 8-inch siege howitzer, two coehorn mortars, a 12-pounder brass howitzer, and two mountain howitzers. In 1872, the USACE began to construct a new magazine and four 15-inch Rodman guns. Work ceased when funds depleted in 1875. From 1896 to 1921, the fort was headquarters for the Coast Defense of the Potomac. Many buildings and batteries were erected on the reservation during this period, including a lighthouse. During World War I (1917 - 1918), the fort was used as a training camp or Regular Army recruits. After the fort was no longer needed as a coastal defense, it became the Headquarters of the 12th Infantry between 1922-1939. Between 1941-1944, the War Department constructed additional buildings and batteries. Currently, Fort Washington is being used as a national historical park and is owned by the DOI. (Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) « see less