Bethel in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Old Telegraph Road

Photographed by Kevin White, August 24, 2007

1. Old Telegraph Road Marker

Inscription. Just to the east is the original route of an ancient trail used to lay the first telegraph wire from Washington to New Orleans in 1847. During the Civil War it became a strategic military objective. It was first used by Confederate forces supporting their blockade of the Potomac River. Later, it was used by Union occupational troops.

Erected 1986 by Prince William County Historical Commission. (Marker Number 24.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, Prince William County Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.

Location. 38° 38.445′ N, 77° 17.511′ W. Marker is in Bethel, Virginia, in Prince William County. It is at the intersection of Potomac Mills Circle and Bidderford Way, on the left when traveling north on Potomac Mills Circle. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Woodbridge VA 22192, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area,

in Northern Virginia,

and in the

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Piedmont.

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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: William Grayson’s Grave (approx. 0.9 miles away); Revolutionary Soldiers Spence and William Grayson (approx. one mile away); Spence and William Grayson (approx. one mile away); Old Bethel High School (approx. 1.3 miles away); Old Bethel Church (approx. 1.4 miles away); Freedom High School Sundial Memorial (approx. 1.4 miles away); Russell House and Store (approx. 1.4 miles away); Potomac Path (approx. 1½ miles away).

More about this marker. Marker used to be located at the main entrance to Potomac Mills Mall.

Photographed by Kevin White, August 24, 2007

2. Old Telegraph Road Marker

Behind the marker is one of at least two cemeteries on land housing Potomac Mills.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 5,034 times since then and 145 times this year. Last updated on December 4, 2023, by N. Jozsa of Woodbridge, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.