Seminary Hill in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Rifle Trench
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
| | City of Alexandria, Virginia | |
This rifle trench extended from the North Bastion toward Battery Garaschι located beyond Leesburg Turnpike (Route 7). Another rifle trench extended from the tip of the south Bastion near the Fort Gate. The rifle trenches prevented enemy troops from moving towards the rear of the fort.
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 1861.
Location. 38° 49.876′ N, 77° 6.093′ 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 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: Profile of the Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); From Field to Forest (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Northwest Bastion (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Powder Magazine and Filling Room (about
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Rifle Trench (has been replaced with this marker); Profile of Fort (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Northwest Bastion (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Powder Magazine and Filling Room (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Bombproof (was about 500 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Fort Ward (was about 500 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 17, 2026
3. Rifle Trench
This is the interior, where the riflemen would have sought cover. This view looks just north of the marker, to the right of the reader.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 17, 2026
4. Rifle Trench
This is the exterior (enemy-facing) side of the rifle trench. The marker is on the opposite side out of view over the photographer's right shoulder. Trench lines running between fortifications are also called curtains.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 121 times since then and 13 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.
