Seminary Hill in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Northwest Bastion
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
| | City of Alexandria, Virginia | |
The plan of Fort Ward consisted of five bastions with positions for 36 guns. The Northwest Bastion illustrates how the entire stronghold appeared in 1864. This bastion is armed with six reproduction weapons based on Fort Ward's original table of armament: three 4.5" Rodman rifled guns (No. 14, 16, 17), two 24-pounder smoothbore Howitzers (No. 13, 15, and one 6-pounder James Rifle (No. 12).
The cannons worked in concert to sweep the field toward Little River Turnpike (Duke Street) to the south, and Leesburg Turnpike (King Street) to the north. Artillery crews in teams of 5-7 men were assigned to each gun position. Infantrymen were stationed along the ledge (banquette) between the gun platforms.
The Northwest Bastion was restored by the City of Alexandria, 1961-64.
Erected by City of Alexandria, Virginia.
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, and the Virginia, The City of Alexandria series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.
Location. 38° 49.847′ N, 77° 6.143′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Seminary Hill. It can be
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 walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Powder Magazine and Filling Room (a few steps from this marker); Profile of the Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Ward (within shouting distance of this marker); From Fort to Community (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson Cemetery Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rifle Trench (about 300 feet away); Jackson Cemetery (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Bombproof (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Other markers no longer nearby. Northwest Bastion (has been replaced with this marker); Powder Magazine and Filling Room (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Profile of Fort (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Fort Ward (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Bombproof
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 17, 2026
3. Northwest Bastion
The NW Bastion of Fort Ward is a model of earthwork restoration in the preservation community. The cannons are replicas.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 17, 2026
4. Northwest Bastion Restoration
Before and after photographs from the 1960s, shown within the Fort Ward Museum.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 141 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on March 30, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia.
