Crystal City in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The March Across the Long Bridge

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 7, 2019

1. The March Across the Long Bridge Marker

Inscription. Virginians voted overwhelmingly for secession form the Union on May 23, 1861. Overnight, Union Army troops stationed in Washington, D.C., moved to occupy what is now Arlington County. The main body of the troops crossed the Potomac River via the Long Bridge. Construction of fortifications began early on the morning of May 24.

The Union occupation of Northern Virginia prevented Confederate forces from mounting artillery on the Arlington Heights two miles west of here. Shells launched from that high ground could have reached federal buildings across the river.

The Advance Guard of the Grand Army of the United States Crossing the Long Bridge on the Potomac at 2 A.M. on May 24, 1861, from Harper's Weekly, June 8, 1861. Today's 14th Street railroad bridge built at the same location is also called the Long Bridge.

Erected by The Boeing Company.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Defenses of Washington series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 23, 1861.

Location. 38° 51.926′ N, 77° 2.975′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Virginia

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, in Arlington County. It is in Crystal City. Marker is on 6th Street South east of Long Bridge Drive, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 929 Long Bridge Drive, Arlington VA 22202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Defenses of Washington (here, next to this marker); Fort Runyon: Defending the Capital (here, next to this marker); Arlington Transformed by War (here, next to this marker); The Union Soldier (a few steps from this marker); Known Units Garrisoned at Fort Runyon (a few steps from this marker); Fort Runyon after the Civil War (a few steps from this marker); A Historic Junction (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); New and Renewed Land (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 7, 2019

2. The March Across the Long Bridge Marker

The Advance Guard of<br>The Grand Army of The United States image. Click for full size.

Internet Archive

3. The Advance Guard of
The Grand Army of The United States

Crossing the Long Bridge Over the Potomac
At 2 a.m. on May 24, 1861. Today's 14th Street railroad bridge built at the same location is also called the Long Bridge.
From Harper's Weekly, June 8 1861, Page 356.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 258 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 7, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on January 21, 2021, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.