Tysons in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Outpost Life
At any one time, eight men, led by a sergeant likely from nearby Prospect Hill, were stationed in weekly rotation at Freedom Hill. A soldier's time was divided between patrol duty and maintenance of the earthen and log fortifications that surrounded him. Diaries tell of some soldiers who looked forward to this hard labor to escape the boredom of outpost living. Whatever leisure time soldiers enjoyed might have been spent inside a Sibley tent. Since a Sibley tent sleeps up to 12 men, only one tent was needed.
[Caption:]
Two soldiers from the 13th New York Cavalry pictured above with a Sibley Tent, were attacked by 20 rebels near Freedom Hill. The soldiers were traveling from Prospect Hill to Vienna, and the attack likely prompted the creation of the Freedom Hill Redoubt.
Erected 2021 by Fairfax County Park Authority.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Defenses of Washington series list.
Location. 38° 55.002′ N, 77° 14.551′ W. Marker is in Tysons, Virginia, in Fairfax County. Marker can be reached from Old Courthouse Road (Virginia Route
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A Tent Design Inspired by Native Americans (a few steps from this marker); Defending the Nation's Capital (within shouting distance of this marker); Freedom Hill is a Droplet in an Ocean of History (within shouting distance of this marker); A Union Spy of Color? (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Family Strength (about 400 feet away); First Court House of Fairfax County (approx. ¼ mile away); The Great Falls Line (approx. 1.2 miles away); Civil War Action at Vienna (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tysons.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 104 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
