Centreville in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Mount Gilead Historic Site
Centreville, Virginia
— Its History and Architecture —
In October 1861, Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston brought his 40,000 man army to Centreville for winter camp and moved into Mount Gilead. Forts and miles of earthworks were constructed throughout the Centreville area during the winter of 1861-1862. Remains of one section survive in the northeast corner of the Mount Gilead property, near a family cemetery.
After General Johnston’s departure, Mount Gilead remained a private residence until 1996 when the property was acquired by Fairfax County.
Mount Gilead is a Fairfax County Historic Site located within the Centreville Historic District.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1861.
Location. 38° 50.556′ N, 77° 25.701′ W. Marker is in Centreville, Virginia, in Fairfax County. Marker is at the intersection of Mt. Gilead Road and General Johnston Place, on the left when traveling west on Mt. Gilead Road. There has been a lot of street alignment and name changes in this section of Centreville, so be sure to have the latest map. From Lee Highway (U.S. 29) eastbound, cross over Sully Road (State Route 28) and turn left at the next light onto Braddock Road, then right on Mt. Gilead Road and then left to stay on Mt. Gilead Road. The historic site is on the left and the marker is at the entrance. This is the short section of Braddock Road that is not connected to the other Braddock Roads. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5634 Mount Gilead Road, Centreville VA 20120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mount Gilead (here, next to this marker); A Place on the High Ground (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Minnie Minter Carter Saunders (about 500 feet away); St. John's Episcopal Church (about 500 feet away); Historic Centreville Park (about 600 feet away); Old Stone Church (about 700 feet away); Centreville Methodist Church (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Centreville Methodist Church (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Centreville.
Regarding Mount Gilead Historic Site. This is a private residence. The historic site is not normally open to the public.
Also see . . .
1. Down Home in Centreville. 2005 article by Jeb Hockman in Cooperative Living magazine. (Submitted on September 16, 2006.)
2. Civil War Photographs of Centreville. These photos are on Frank Harrell's website. (Submitted on September 16, 2006.)
3. 200 Years of Ordinary History. Washington Post 2006 article by Frederick Kunkle. “It’s no Mount Vernon, even if it is nearly as old—and in some respects, Fairfax County officials say, it might be just as historically priceless because it is so ordinary.” (Submitted on November 22, 2006.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 4,209 times since then and 105 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 16, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.