Army Navy Country Club Foundation
Dedicated to Preserving the Unique History of ANCC and Serving the Community through Charitable and Philanthropic Support.
ANCC members and their families have served and led the nation through war and peace since 1924. Club properties in Arlington and Fairfax, Virginia have witnessed the birth and growth of the nation. Rochambeau and Lafayette marched down what is now Army Navy Drive to Yorktown. Ft. Richardson was one of the sixty-eight forts constructed to protect Washington during the Civil War. Our facilities and our athletic, social, and charitable events and programs have been fundamental to forming the character of our Club.
In the tradition of service, the mission of the ANCC Foundation is to preserve the unique history of ANCC and support the ANCC community and its neighbors through charitable activities and philanthropy.
Organized for historical preservation and charitable and educational purposes, the ANCC Foundation is certified under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to the ANCC Foundation are tax deductible.
Fort Richardson Initiative
While numerous forts have golf courses, Army Navy Country Club (ANCC) may have the only golf course with a fort. That fort is Fort Richardson, the remnants of which straddle the ninth green on Arlington’s Red Nine. Fort Richardson was a relatively small fort – 316-yard perimeter – but one of only five of the 68 forts that comprised the Civil War “Defenses of Washington” whose arsenal included a 100-pounder Parrott Rifle. Two of “Mr. Lincoln’s Forts”, Fort Stevens (DC) and Fort Ward (Alexandria), have had major restorations while Fort Ethan Allen (Arlington), has benefited from a minor restoration.
In 2015 the ANCC Foundation, in collaboration with the Club and the National Park Service (NPS), embarked on a project to better preserve Fort Richardson. Thanks to the efforts (including three site visits) of David Shockley, the National Park Service’s foremost expert on earthen fortifications, a fort preservation plan was developed. This plan called for the removal of the trees from and the sodding of the parapets. Subsequently the Club funded and in September 2015 executed the plan for the Memorial Drive side of the fort.
In May 2021, the Foundation unveiled a Fort Richardson “Interpretive Display” consisting of a pedestal mounted bronze fort model with four display panels that addressed the “Defenses of Washington” and all aspects of the fort including its lay-out, soldiers, and artillery.
The ANCC Foundation’s ambitious, long-term plan for Fort Richardson includes:
Extension of the fort’s preservation to include the parapet on the right side Red #9 green.
Restoration of two artillery positions to include the gun platform, revetment, embrasure, and replica artillery.
ANCC Foundation: Stewards of History
Displays, Memorials, and Exhibits: Military leaders including Bradley, Eisenhower, King, Lejeune, and Nimitz were intimately involved with Army Navy Country Club and its growth. Members of ANCC have been eye witnesses to the Second World War, Korean War, Vietnam Conflict, the Gulf War, September 11, 2001, and the current fight against terrorism. Our members include Medal of Honor recipients, US Department Secretaries, Supreme Court Justices, Congressmen, Senators, and past and sitting Presidents have played golf on our courses and dined in our facilities. Through its membership, the Club has generously supported and promoted local and national charities, athletic organizations, and local entities that have helped shape the Club’s and the nation’s history. The Foundation highlights the historical moments of the Club and its Members through temporary and permanent exhibits and displays and events.
Historical Site Preservation: The Foundation works to identify and prominently mark the important Civil War sites within the grounds including Fort Richardson, Camp Convalescence, and Camp Ingalls as well as other sites of significant environmental and historical interest.
Art Collections: The Foundation curates works of art reflecting the history of events and individuals who helped to shape the character and history of the Club and our nation.
Educational Series: The Foundation offers educational opportunities and forums for Members, guests, and relevant communities on historical events related to the club and its members, art and artifacts acquired by the Foundation, and historical events past and present.
Research: The Foundation is updating ANCC’s “1924-1989 Historical Review” edited by Col. Fred White. Initial efforts have focused on the evolution of the Arlington and Fairfax golf courses with the involvement of renowned architects including Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and Donald Ross. Memorable athletic, social and charitable events for which the Club has been known and recognized over the years will be researched, documented, and used to update the Historical Review.