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. It can be reached from Old Courthouse Road (Route
this page online
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, and in the Mid-Atlantic. 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 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
Another marker is no longer nearby. Freedom Hill Redoubt (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
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 301 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
