Leesburg in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Ball’s Bluff Masked Battery

Photographed By Craig Swain, March 10, 2007

1. Ball's Bluff Masked Battery Marker

Inscription. Nearby is the likely site of the Confederate “masked battery” (concealed artillery) that was an object of Federal concern early in the Civil War. On 21 Oct. 1861, elements of the 13th Mississippi infantry near there engaged 35 horsemen of the 3rd New York Cavalry sent to draw attention from the Union force upriver at Ball’s Bluff and to reconnoiter Confederate positions in the direction of Leesburg. After a brief firefight, the New Yorkers withdrew to Edward’s Ferry. The Confederate victor at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, Col. Nathan G. “Shanks” Evans, was later promoted to brigadier general while the Union commander, Brig. Gen. Charles P. Stone, was imprisoned at the scapegoat for the Federal defeat.

Erected 2005 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number T-51.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location. 39° 6.837′ N, 77° 31.643′ W. Marker is in Leesburg, Virginia, in Loudoun County. Marker is at the intersection of Edwards Ferry Road and Battlefield Parkway, on the right when traveling west on Edwards Ferry Road

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. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Leesburg VA 20176, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Ball’s Bluff Masked Battery (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Earthworks (approx. half a mile away); Two-Chambered Granary (approx. 0.9 miles away); Well House (approx. 0.9 miles away); Carriage House (approx. 0.9 miles away); Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park (approx. 0.9 miles away); Ice House (approx. one mile away); 17th Mississippi Infantry (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leesburg.

Regarding Ball’s Bluff Masked Battery. This marker is one of a set along the Balls Bluff Battlefield walking trail. See the Balls Bluff Virtual Tour by Markers link below for details on each stop.

Also see . . .
1. Gen. Nathan “Shanks” Evans. (Submitted on July 1, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Battle of Balls Bluff. (Submitted on July 1, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
3. Gen. Charles Stone. (Submitted on July 1, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
4. Balls Bluff Battlefield Virtual Tour by Marker. Over twenty markers detail the action at Balls Bluff and related

Photographed By Craig Swain, June 21, 2007

2. Ball's Bluff Masked Battery Marker

In the wooded area adjacent to the marker (right), an artillery camp supported both nearby Fort Evans and the Masked Battery. Pits where the winter huts stood are still evident.

sites. Please use the Click to map all markers shown on this page option at the bottom of the page to view a map of the marker locations. The hybrid view offers an excellent overlook of the park. (Submitted on November 11, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Ball’s Bluff Masked Battery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, January 17, 2009

3. Ball’s Bluff Masked Battery

The masked battery itself stands across Edwards Ferry Road, about 200 yards east of the marker location. The site is private property, but easily seen from the road.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,772 times since then and 49 times this year. Last updated on February 28, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 1, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on January 31, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.