Near La Marque in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Civil War Fortifications at Virginia Point
Photographed By Gregory Walker, April 11, 2010
1. Civil War Fortifications at Virginia Point Marker
Virginia Point, the site of an important railroad bridge which provided the only connection between the Texas mainland and Galveston Island in the mid-19th century, played an integral role in the Confederate defense of Galveston during the Civil War. A convoy of Union ships began a blockade off Galveston Island on July 2, 1861. Confederate Brig. Gen. Paul O. Hebert, commander of the Military Department of Texas, established the Military District of Galveston in October that year. Under the command of Col. John C. Moore, the district included Galveston Island, Virginia Point, the adjacent coast, and Bolivar Peninsula.
Moore ordered fortifications built at Virginia Point at the head of the railroad bridge. When Federal troops captured Galveston Island, Gen. John B. Magruder, who had succeeded Hebert, ordered Confederate land forces to this strategic point. Moving over the railroad bridge to the island under cover of darkness on December 31, southern forces attacked the Federals just before dawn on New Year's Day 1863 and recaptured Galveston Island. At the end of the war in 1865, Galveston was the larger of only two southern ports
this page online
Erected 1991 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8233.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the United Daughters of the Confederacy series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1862.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 29° 18.247′ N, 94° 54.117′ W. Marker was near La Marque, Texas, in Galveston County. Marker was on Interstate 45 Frontage Road, on the left when traveling south. At the north end of the highway causeway (bridge) to Galveston Island, on the east frontage road. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: La Marque TX 77568, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. Campbell's Bayou (here, next to this marker); The Galveston Daily News (approx. 2.6 miles away); Galveston "News", C.S.A. (approx. 2.6 miles away); Site of Magnolia Grove Cemetery (approx. 3.8 miles away); Valentine T. Dalton (approx. 4.8 miles
Photographed By Jim Evans, November 24, 2011
2. Civil War Fortifications at Virginia Point Marker
This dedication of the Causeway Bridge is just across the road from The Virginia Point marker
Photographed By Gregory Walker, April 11, 2010
3. Virginia Point Marker at left of photo.
Photographed By Brian Anderson, December 16, 2018
4. Civil War Fortifications at Virginia Point Marker
This marker is missing as of 2018. Only the Campbell's Bayou marker remains at this location. The concrete base of this marker remains visible to the left of the Campbell's Bayou marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,064 times since then and 127 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 19, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. 2. submitted on November 29, 2011, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 3. submitted on September 19, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. 4. submitted on December 20, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
