Near Richmond in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Outer Defenses

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 8, 2009

1. Outer Defenses Marker

Inscription. By 1864, a complex series of fortifications north of Richmond and the James River protected the capital of the Confederacy. The outer line of western defenses crossed the road (then called the Deep Run Turnpike) here. The intermediate defensive line stood about three miles southeast and the inner line a mile farther, well within the present-day limits of Richmond. On 1 March 1864, Union Col. Ulric Dahlgren briefly penetrated the outer line to the southwest on Three Chopt Road during his abortive cavalry raid on the city. Dahlgren's force was repulsed at the intermediate line.

Erected 1999 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number V-17.)

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 date for this entry is March 1, 1864.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 37° 36.151′ N, 77° 30.891′ W. Marker was near Richmond, Virginia, in Henrico County. It was on West Broad Street (U.S. 250) 0.1 miles north of Forest Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Richmond VA 23230, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in the Piedmont

and in Central Virginia.

It was also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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

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8 other markers are within 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Westwood Club (approx. 0.8 miles away); Bethlehem Baptist Church (approx. one mile away); Dahlgren's Raid (approx. 1.1 miles away); Skipwith Academy (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Markel Building (approx. 1½ miles away); Westwood Baptist Church (approx. 1.7 miles away); Henrico County (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Courthouse Today (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Outer Defenses Marker on West Broad Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 8, 2009

2. Outer Defenses Marker on West Broad Street

Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,640 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on February 25, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 10, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.