Tysons in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Defending the Nation's Capital
Located near the edge of the Confederacy, Washington, D.C., was under constant threat by Confederate forces. To ward against that threat, Washington was ringed by earthen fortifications.
Skirmishes, guerilla raids, and major battles such as the Battle of Bull Run were a way of life in Northern Virginia. Although there were Union fortifications in the capital and in Maryland, the Virginia forts were particularly important because they were Union outposts in a Confederate state.
[Caption:]
How different the landscape must have been. Soldiers here likely could see travelers on Chain Bridge Road, Leesburg Pike, and possibly even Lewinsville Road. None of those roads are visible from here today.
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° 54.999′ N, 77° 14.535′ W. Marker is in Tysons, Virginia, in Fairfax County. Marker can be reached from Old Courthouse Road (Route 677) west of Battery Park Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map.
this page online
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); Freedom Hill is a Droplet in an Ocean of History (a few steps from this marker); Outpost Life (within shouting distance of this marker); A Union Spy of Color? (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Family Strength (about 300 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 108 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
