Mount Vernon near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Origin of the Purple Heart Trail

Mount Vernon, Virginia

Photographed by Richard E. Miller, December 5, 2008

1. Origin of the Purple Heart Trail Marker

Inscription. This marker commemorates the establishment of the Purple Heart decoration by General George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, on August 8, 1782.

The Purple Heart Trail memorializes those patriots who were awarded the Purple Heart Medal in combat in defense of their nation.
[Rendering of the Purple Heart Medal:]
Military Order [of the] Purple Heart of the U.S.A. 1782, 1932.
Dedicated this 7th day of August 1998.

Erected 1998 by Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Ladies of Their Auxiliary.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Heroes • Military • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Military Order of the Purple Heart series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1782.

Location. 38° 42.63′ N, 77° 5.167′ W. Marker is near Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Mount Vernon. It can be reached from the intersection of George Washington Parkway (Virginia Route 400) and Mount Vernon Highway ( Route 235). Marker is off the traffic

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circle, northeast of the main entrance to the Mount Vernon Estate. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alexandria VA 22309, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (a few steps from this marker); George Washington's Mount Vernon (within shouting distance of this marker); "The Texas Gate" (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named "The Texas Gate" (within shouting distance of this marker); Mount Vernon (within shouting distance

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, January 13, 2018

2. Origin of the Purple Heart Trail Marker

of this marker); Revolutionary War Encampment (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gateway to the Nation's Capital (about 500 feet away); George Washington's Landscape Design (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

Also see . . . Purple Heart. (Submitted on December 7, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)

Military Order Purple Heart<br>of the U.S.A<br>1782 - 1932 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, January 13, 2018

3. Military Order Purple Heart
of the U.S.A
1782 - 1932

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 6, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 6,015 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 6, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on January 14, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.