What is Fort Reno Park and where is it located?

Fort Reno Park is an urban park situated in the Tenleytown neighborhood of Northwest Washington, D.C. It is named after Fort Reno, a historical site that experienced combat during the American Civil War.

What is the significance of Point Reno within Fort Reno Park?

Point Reno is the highest natural point in the District of Columbia, with an elevation of 409 feet (125 meters).

When was Fort Reno Park established?

Fort Reno Park was established in 1927.

Which entities are responsible for operating Fort Reno Park?

Most of the park property is managed by the National Park Service, which oversees a community garden, a former community center, and grassy areas. The D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation operates a baseball field and tennis courts located in the park's southwestern corner.

What other facilities are located within the boundaries of Fort Reno Park?

Within Fort Reno Park, there is also a large reservoir facility operated by DC Water, Alice Deal Middle School, the Reno School, and a former Continuity of Government facility now managed by the Federal Aviation Administration.

What was the historical context for the establishment of Fort Reno Park in the 1920s?

The park was established in the 1920s to clear the site of an African American neighborhood called Reno, as the area was becoming an affluent white suburban area.

What was the land use in the area of Fort Reno Park before European colonization?

Before the 1700s, the area was controlled by various American Indian groups, and high points like the present park were not as economically significant to their societies as the valleys.

What were the original land patents associated with the land that became Fort Reno Park?

The eastern half of the land was granted as a land patent called Fletchall's Chance to Thomas Fletchall, while the western side originated from a patent named Mt. Airy.

Who acquired the land for his estate in 1853, and what was the name of his estate?

A Treasury Department official named Giles Dyer acquired the land for his estate in 1853.

How did the Civil War influence the development of the site that is now Fort Reno Park?

Following the Confederate victory at the First Battle of Bull Run, Union leaders initiated a campaign to fortify Washington, D.C. A critical defensive site was identified on the Dyer estate's tall hill, leading to the construction of earthen ramparts and trenches starting in August 1861.

What was the original name of the fort constructed in 1861, and why was it named that?

The fort was originally named Fort Pennsylvania because it was constructed by the Pennsylvania Reserves.

When and why was the fort renamed Fort Reno?

In 1863, the fortification was renamed in honor of Major General Jesse Lee Reno, who had died in combat the previous year.

What was the military capacity of Fort Reno during the Civil War?

At its peak, Fort Reno housed a dozen heavy siege guns and a contingent of 3,000 men, making it the largest fort in the ring surrounding Washington, D.C.

Who were some notable individuals stationed at the garrison in Tenleytown during the Civil War?

Walt Whitman and Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. were among the soldiers stationed at the garrison in Tenleytown.

How did Fort Reno play a role in the Battle of Fort Stevens in July 1864?

When Confederate forces attacked from the northwest, lookouts at Fort Reno identified troop movements. Commanders directed Fort Reno to fire its large artillery on the soldiers, which influenced the invading force to shift its assault eastward towards Fort Stevens.

What happened to Fort Reno after the Civil War concluded?

After the war in 1866, the fort was decommissioned, and the land was returned to the Dyer family. Any sellable outbuildings were liquidated, but the earthen ramparts remained.

When were the earthen ramparts of Fort Reno reportedly still visible?

The earthen ramparts of Fort Reno were reportedly still visible as late as 1895.

What was the Reno neighborhood, and what remains of it today?

The Reno neighborhood was a majority Black community that existed from approximately 1860 to the early 20th century. Today, only a few physical remnants exist, most notably a singular fire hydrant and the original elementary school building, named the Reno School.

How did the growing demand for drinking water impact the Fort Reno site?

As suburbanization expanded north and west of the Rock Creek Valley, the demand for drinking water increased significantly. In 1893, Charles C. Glover donated two large plots of land at the former fort site to the District of Columbia, upon which the D.C. government built a reservoir and pump house.

What happened to the Civil War ramparts when the reservoir was constructed?

The construction of the reservoir and pump house at the site destroyed the remains of the Civil War ramparts.

What type of Cold War facility was constructed at Fort Reno, and what was its purpose?

During the Cold War, a Presidential Emergency Facility was constructed at Fort Reno, disguised as a water tower. This facility, known as the Cartwheel facility, was actually a microwave transmission array connected to an underground bunker, part of a communication network linking the White House to Raven Rock, Pennsylvania.

What recreational sports facilities are available at Fort Reno Park?

Fort Reno Park offers a full-size baseball diamond, which serves as the home field for the Jackson-Reed High School Tigers, and three hard-surface tennis courts. Movable nets for soccer are also provided.

What types of trails are present in Fort Reno Park for walking?

The park features both paved and non-paved walking trails that connect different areas of the park.

When did the annual free summer concert series at Fort Reno begin, and what was its context?

The annual free summer concert series at Fort Reno started in the summer of 1968, during a period of social unrest following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

What controversy affected the Fort Reno concert series in 2014?

In 2014, the National Park Service suddenly demanded that organizers pay for U.S. Park Police to be present at each concert. This demand was financially unfeasible for the organizers, leading to the cancellation of the series for that season.

How did the public and officials react to the 2014 concert cancellation?

The cancellation generated significant public outcry, including news articles, Twitter outrage, a petition with 1,600 signers, and intervention from public officials who pressured the agencies to resolve the permit issues.

What was the outcome of the 2014 permit dispute for the concert series?

Following a meeting between officials and the concert organizer, the permit issues were resolved, and the 2014 concert line-up was announced.

What is the elevation of the highest natural point in Fort Reno Park?

The highest natural elevation in Fort Reno Park is 409 feet (125 meters).

How does the elevation of Fort Reno's highest point compare to the Washington Monument?

The highest natural point in Fort Reno Park, at 409 feet, is lower than the Washington Monument, which stands at 555 feet (169 meters) above nearly sea level.

How is the highest point in Fort Reno marked, and what is being done to improve its visibility?

The highest point is marked by a small metal disk set into the ground. The Highpointers Foundation is collaborating with the National Park Service to install a sign near the USGS marker to make the spot easier to find.

What is the significance of the bandstand located on the south side of the reservoir?

The bandstand hosts an annual DIY concert series that has been important to the local music scene, particularly for the hardcore punk community in Washington, D.C.

What does the infobox indicate about the location of Fort Reno Park?

The infobox states that Fort Reno Park is located in Washington, D.C., and provides its geographic coordinates as 38 degrees 57 minutes 07 seconds North latitude and 77 degrees 04 minutes 33 seconds West longitude.

Describe the image of Point Reno.

The image shows Point Reno, identified as the highest point in the District of Columbia, with an elevation of 409 feet (125 meters).

What does the map in the infobox illustrate?

The map within the infobox illustrates the location of Fort Reno Park within the District of Columbia.

What is the primary purpose of the See also section in the article?

The See also section provides links to related Wikipedia portals (Geography, North America, United States), an outline and index of Washington, D.C. related articles, and lists pertaining to U.S. elevations and mountain peaks.

What external resources are linked from the External links section?

The external links include a National Park Service page about Fort Reno, the Fort Reno Concert Series website, and the Highpointers Foundation website.

What does the Authority control section provide?

The Authority control section provides links to international and national databases like VIAF, FAST, Library of Congress, and Israel National Library that catalog information about Fort Reno Park, helping to uniquely identify it.

What is the Cartwheel facility and where was it located?

The Cartwheel facility was a Cold War-era Presidential Emergency Facility located at Fort Reno, disguised as a water tower, and served as a microwave transmission array.

What was the historical context of the Reno neighborhood before it was cleared for the park?

The Reno neighborhood was a majority Black community that existed from approximately 1860 to the early 20th century. It was marketed by its developers as Reno City.

What role did Charles C. Glover play in the development of Fort Reno Park?

Charles C. Glover, a banker with significant investments in the area, acquired two large plots of land at the former fort site and donated them to the District of Columbia in 1893, facilitating the construction of a reservoir and pump house.

What is the significance of Fort Reno Park in relation to the Civil War Defenses of Washington?

Fort Reno Park is named after Fort Reno, one of the few locations in the District of Columbia that saw combat during the American Civil War. The park preserves the site of this historical fortification.

What is the purpose of the DIY concert series hosted at Fort Reno?

The annual DIY concert series hosted at Fort Reno's bandstand is important to the local music scene, particularly for the Washington, D.C. hardcore punk community.

What is the elevation of Point Reno in feet and meters?

Point Reno, the highest natural point in the District of Columbia, has an elevation of 409 feet (125 meters).

What is the relationship between Fort Reno Park and the National Park Service?

The National Park Service owns most of the property that constitutes Fort Reno Park, including areas with a community garden, a former community center, and open grassy expanses.

What is the Cartwheel facility and what was its function?

The Cartwheel facility was a Cold War Presidential Emergency Facility at Fort Reno, disguised as a water tower, that functioned as a microwave transmission array connecting the White House to Raven Rock, Pennsylvania.

What was the original purpose of constructing Fort Reno?

Fort Reno was constructed as part of a rushed campaign to fortify and protect Washington, D.C. from potential invasion following Confederate successes, specifically to defend against attacks along the three major roads converging in Tenleytown.

What is the significance of the Reno School mentioned in the article?

The Reno School is mentioned as one of the few physical remnants of the former Reno neighborhood, which was located on the site of what is now Fort Reno Park. It was named after Jesse Reno.

What is the Highpointers Foundation's involvement with Fort Reno Park?

The Highpointers Foundation is working with the National Park Service to place a sign near the USGS marker at Fort Reno's highest point to make it easier for visitors to locate.

What type of music scene is particularly associated with the Fort Reno concert series?

The Fort Reno concert series has been important to the local music scene, especially the Washington, D.C. hardcore punk community.

What historical event is directly linked to the naming of Fort Reno?

Fort Reno is named after Major General Jesse Lee Reno, who died in combat during the Civil War. The fort itself was a key defensive structure during that conflict.

Describe the image of the 1917 U.S. Army recruiting poster.

The source material references a 1917 U.S. Army recruiting poster featuring the iconic figure of Uncle Sam, which was used to encourage enlistment during the war.

Fort Reno Park Wiki: Fort Reno: DC's Elevated History and Natural Haven

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

A Tapestry of Time: The History of Fort Reno

Indigenous Lands and Early Claims

Prior to European settlement, the area now known as Fort Reno Park was part of the ancestral lands of various Indigenous peoples. While high points like this were not central to their economies, evidence suggests ancient travel routes may have followed the ridgeline. Following colonization, the land was divided into patents, including "Fletchall's Chance" and "Mt. Airy," passing through numerous hands before Giles Dyer acquired it for his estate in 1853. His farm, which included enslaved individuals, was managed by his wife Jane after his death.

The Genesis of Reno

By the mid-19th century, the area near Tenleytown, situated along a significant ridgeline trail, was developing. A community known as Reno (or initially marketed as "Reno City") emerged, primarily inhabited by African Americans. This neighborhood, existing from around 1860, would eventually be displaced to make way for the park and associated government facilities.

Civil War Bastion: Fort Reno's Strategic Role

Defending the Capital

The Union's vulnerability after the First Battle of Bull Run prompted a rapid fortification of Washington, D.C. In August 1861, engineers identified the strategic high ground on the Dyer estate as crucial for defending against invasion from the northwest. Earthen ramparts were constructed, initially naming the fort "Fort Pennsylvania." The site became the largest of the forts surrounding the capital, housing heavy artillery and a significant garrison.

Battle and Legacy

Renamed in honor of Major General Jesse Lee Reno, the fort played a role in the Battle of Fort Stevens (July 10-12, 1864). Although the main Confederate assault occurred east across Rock Creek, Fort Reno's lookouts identified enemy movements, and its artillery was prepared for action. Following the war, the fort was decommissioned in 1866, and the land eventually returned to civilian use, though the earthenworks remained visible for decades.

Notable figures like poet Walt Whitman and future Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. were stationed in the vicinity during the war.

Echoes of Reno: A Displaced Community

A Community Erased

The area now occupied by Fort Reno Park was once home to a vibrant African American neighborhood known as Reno. Established around 1860, this community existed until the early 20th century. Today, only a few physical remnants hint at its past presence, including a solitary fire hydrant and the original elementary school building, named in honor of Jesse Reno.

Transformation: From Fort to Facilities

Water, Government, and Cold War Secrets

As Washington D.C. expanded, the demand for resources grew. In 1893, Charles C. Glover, a prominent banker, donated land encompassing the former fort site to the District. The D.C. government subsequently constructed a reservoir and pump house, unfortunately destroying the remaining ramparts of the original fort. During the Cold War, a clandestine Presidential Emergency Facility, known as "Cartwheel," was built beneath a disguised water tower. This microwave transmission array connected the White House to a secure site in Pennsylvania, maintained by an on-site crew.

Park Life: Recreation and Community

Active Pursuits

Fort Reno Park serves as a vital recreational space for the surrounding community. The D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation maintains several facilities, including a full-size baseball diamond used by Jackson-Reed High School, three hard-surface tennis courts, and adaptable nets for soccer. Paved and unpaved walking trails wind through the park, offering opportunities for exercise and leisure.

Rhythm on the Ridge: The Music Venue

The Annual Concert Series

Since 1968, the bandstand on the south side of the reservoir has hosted an acclaimed annual DIY concert series. Originating during a period of social unrest, this free summer event has become a cornerstone of the local music scene, particularly influential within the Washington D.C. hardcore punk community. The series faced a significant challenge in 2014 when the National Park Service demanded payment for police presence, leading to initial cancellation. However, public outcry and intervention from officials resulted in the series proceeding after a resolution was reached.

Reaching New Heights: DC's Highest Point

Point Reno

Fort Reno Park holds the distinction of containing the highest natural elevation in Washington, D.C., reaching 409 feet (125 meters) above sea level. This point, known as "Point Reno," is marked by a small metal disk set into the ground. While lower than the Washington Monument's 555-foot structure, this natural peak offers a unique perspective within the urban landscape. Efforts are underway to improve the visibility and accessibility of this historical marker.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Fort Reno Park" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about fort_reno_park while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

2023 united kingdom local elections

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Fort Reno Park Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding history, urban planning, or park management. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Fort Reno Park

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

A Tapestry of Time: The History of Fort Reno

🌿 Indigenous Lands and Early Claims

🏘️ The Genesis of Reno

Civil War Bastion: Fort Reno's Strategic Role

🛡️ Defending the Capital

⚔️ Battle and Legacy

Echoes of Reno: A Displaced Community

🏚️ A Community Erased

Transformation: From Fort to Facilities

💧 Water, Government, and Cold War Secrets

Park Life: Recreation and Community

⚽ Active Pursuits

Rhythm on the Ridge: The Music Venue

🎶 The Annual Concert Series

Reaching New Heights: DC's Highest Point

📍 Point Reno

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Indigenous Lands and Early Claims

The Genesis of Reno

Defending the Capital

Battle and Legacy

A Community Erased

Water, Government, and Cold War Secrets

Active Pursuits

The Annual Concert Series

Point Reno

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice