The Orange And Alexandria Railroad Trestle

Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 13, 2005

1. The Orange And Alexandria Railroad Trestle Marker

Inscription. The original bridge crossing Accotink Creek was built in 1851 as part of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. During the Civil War the wooden trestle was an attractive target for Confederate soldiers. In his 28 Dec. 1862 raid on Burke's Station, Confederate Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart sent twelve men under the command of Brig. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee to burn the trestle. Although termed an "inconsiderable structure" by the Union press, the raid was alarming to many because of its close proximity to Alexandria. The trestle was quickly rebuilt, allowing the Union to continue transporting vital supplies along the line for the remainder of the war.

Erected 2003 by Fairfax County History Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, and the Virginia, Fairfax County History Commission series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is December 28, 1862.

Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 38° 47.553′ N, 77° 13.067′ W. Marker was in Springfield, Virginia,

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in Fairfax County. It was on Accotink Park Road, on the left when traveling east. It is in Accotink Park in the main parking lot that sits in front of the Accotink Lake dam and the current railroad bridge. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Springfield VA 22151, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It was also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

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 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Orange and Alexandria Railroad (a few steps from this marker); Connecting Communities and Parks (within shouting distance of this marker); The Civilian Conservation Corps (approx. 0.4

Today's Norfolk Southern Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 13, 2005

2. Today's Norfolk Southern Bridge

Taken from the parking lot looking north. The lip of the dam is visible behind and below the marker. Lake Accotink Road—with the yellow curbs—goes under the bridge and turns right.

miles away); a different marker also named Orange and Alexandria Railroad (approx. 0.6 miles away); Ravensworth (approx. 1.2 miles away); a different marker also named Ravensworth (approx. 1.2 miles away); Estate Inventory of 16 Enslaved, December 20, 1856 (approx. 1.2 miles away); Soldiers Memorial at Howrey Field Park (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Other markers no longer nearby. Orange and Alexandria RR (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); The Origins of Lake Accotink (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Regarding The Orange And Alexandria Railroad Trestle. The current railroad bridge is on a different alignment from the old trestle.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2005, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 5,128 times since then and 93 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 18, 2005, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.