Fort Lincoln Cemetery | Northeast Washington

Information

Landmark: Fort Lincoln Cemetery
City: Northeast Washington
Country: USA Washington DC
Continent: North America

Fort Lincoln Cemetery, Northeast Washington, USA Washington DC, North America

Fort Lincoln Cemetery is a historic burial ground located in Northeast Washington, D.C.

It serves as the final resting place for numerous individuals, including military personnel and civilians.

Visual Characteristics

The cemetery grounds are characterized by a grid layout of grave markers. Headstones vary in material, predominantly granite and marble, with inscriptions indicating names, dates of birth and death, and military service details. The landscape features mature deciduous trees providing canopy cover, interspersed with manicured lawn areas. The terrain is generally flat with gentle undulations.

Location & Access Logistics

Fort Lincoln Cemetery is situated at 3401 Bladensburg Road NE, Washington, D.C. It is approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) east of the U.S. Capitol building. Access is via Bladensburg Road NE, which connects to the Capital Beltway (I-495) via Exit 2B (New York Avenue NE). Ample on-site parking is available within designated areas. Public transportation options include Metrobus routes 30N, 30S, and 32, which stop near the cemetery entrance on Bladensburg Road NE.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1914, Fort Lincoln Cemetery was developed on land that was formerly part of the historic Fort Lincoln, a Civil War-era fortification. The cemetery was designed to accommodate the growing population of Washington, D.C., and to provide a dedicated burial site for veterans. The ecological setting is a temperate deciduous forest biome, with soil types typical of the Mid-Atlantic region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can locate specific gravesites using the cemetery's internal numbering system. The grounds are suitable for quiet reflection and walking. The cemetery contains sections dedicated to veterans of various U.S. military conflicts.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the main administration building. Limited shaded areas are provided by mature trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally consistent throughout the cemetery. No on-site food vendors are present; however, commercial establishments are located along nearby Bladensburg Road NE.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting conditions for photography, early morning or late afternoon hours are recommended. The months of April through October offer the most favorable weather conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). No specific tide requirements are applicable.

Facts & Legends

A notable feature is the presence of numerous graves from the Spanish-American War and World War I, reflecting the cemetery's role in honoring military service. One specific section is dedicated to members of the U.S. Colored Troops who served in the Civil War, though their remains were reinterred here from other locations.