This bill redesignates the existing Civil War defenses of Washington as the Civil War Defenses of Washington National Historical Park , encompassing federal lands and other historically significant resources across the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland. Its primary purposes are to protect, preserve, enhance, and interpret the cultural, historical, natural, and recreational resources of these sites for present and future generations. The legislation also seeks to study creative and cost-effective methods for assembling and conveying the storied history of the Civil War, including the defenses of Washington and the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864, to the public. The newly designated National Historical Park will include all areas currently administered by the National Park Service that are associated with the Civil War defenses, such as numerous forts like Fort Stevens and Fort DeRussy, along with affiliated National Park Areas like Battleground National Cemetery. Additionally, sites owned by local governments in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia, such as Fort Ward in Alexandria, may become affiliated through cooperative agreements with the Secretary of the Interior. This allows for a broader, more integrated approach to managing these historically vital locations. The bill also provides for the possible inclusion of additional areas owned by private individuals or organizations, or other local governments, through voluntary cooperative agreements, requiring the written consent of the property owner. Notably, the Secretary is prohibited from acquiring any land or interest in land through condemnation for the purposes of this Act. The Secretary may, however, purchase properties from willing sellers, subject to the availability of private sector donated funding or appropriations. A significant provision requires the Secretary to conduct a study and submit a report within one year on creative and cost-effective ways to establish a National Civil War History Education Center . This center would facilitate the comprehensive assembly and conveyance of Civil War history, covering both North and South, the defenses of Washington, and the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864. The goal is to educate and inspire future generations about the war's profound impact on the United States' democracy, abolition of slavery, and national identity. The National Historical Park will be administered in accordance with general National Park System laws, with the Secretary authorized to provide technical assistance to local governments and private entities for managing and interpreting these resources. The Secretary may also accept donations and enter into other cooperative agreements to further the park's objectives, including providing visitor services and marking significant historical sites with owner consent. These measures aim to ensure comprehensive preservation and public access to this critical period of American history.