Seminary Hill in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
From Fort to Community
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
| | City of Alexandria, Virginia | |
The layered historical landscape of Fort Ward Park is reflected here in the center of the Union fort. A post-Civil War structure once stood in this location that was part of the African American community called "The Fort." Although many former Fort residents lived in homes located throughout the present-day Park, others were situated on top of or within the remains of the historic fort. Cassius and Rachel McKnight purchased land here in 1890, and built their home within the preserved earthwork walls of Fort Ward, near one of the fort's bombproof shelters. They continued to live here until Cassius's death in 1924. A road leading to their property was located along the flat parade ground interior of the Civil War Fort.
Another Fort residents, James Jackson, purchased 11.25 acres on what is now much of the west side of Fort Ward Park, where his home and a community cemetery were located. His property occupied areas that today include part of the Civil War fort's restored Northwest bastion and glacis, the man-made earthen slope surrounding the fort, reflecting the layers of history at Fort Ward.
[Sidebar:]
Discovering Clues to the Past
In 2014, City of Alexandria archaeologists discovered the site of the Civil War fort's well, which was an essential source of water for the operation of an army fort, but excavations f the upper strata of the well's interior also revealed artifacts discarded by Fort community residents, evidence of daily life in later years at Fort Ward.
Erected by City
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Defenses of Washington, and the Virginia, The City of Alexandria series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 38° 49.805′ N, 77° 6.129′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Seminary Hill. It can be reached from West Braddock Road east of North Howard Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4301 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria VA 22304, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Bombproof (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Fort Ward (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson Cemetery Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Powder Magazine and Filling Room (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Historic Fort Ward Park (within shouting distance of this marker); The Oakland Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Northwest Bastion (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Other markers no longer nearby. Bombproof (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Fort Ward (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Powder Magazine and Filling Room (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Fort Ward (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Northwest Bastion (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 189 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
