Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Battery Rodgers
Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 21, 2008
1. Battery Rodgers Marker
Defenses of Washington
1861-1865
Battery Rodgers
Here stood Battery Rodgers, built in 1863 to prevent enemy ships from passing up the Potomac River. The battery had a perimeter of 30 yards and mounted five 200 pounder Parrott guns and one 15-inch Rodman. It was deactivated in 1867.
Erected by the Civil War Round Table of Alexandria.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Defenses of Washington series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.
Location. 38° 47.71′ N, 77° 2.598′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town. It is at the intersection of South Lee Street and Green Street, on the right on South Lee Street. Marker is at the foot of Green Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alexandria VA 22314, 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: Guarding the Potomac (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Zion Baptist Church (about 700 feet away); Welcome to Jones Point Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mount Vernon Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Potomac Connections
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Jones Point (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . George Washington Rodgers (1822-1863). (Submitted on April 3, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional commentary.
1. Battery Rodgers Particulars
From Mr. Lincoln's Forts: A Guide to the Civil War Defenses of Washington, by Benjamin Franklin Cooling III and Walton H. Owen II:
The battery stood along the 800 block of South Lee Street. Named for Navy Captain George W. Rodgers, killed in action at Charleston Harbor on August 17, 1863. The battery stood 28 feet above the river, and worked with Forts Foote and Washington to protect the river access to the Capital.
The "face" of the battery was 185 feet long, with side curtains of 60 to 80 feet protecting the flanks. The battery
Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 21, 2008
2. Battery Rodgers Marker
— Submitted June 21, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 21, 2008
3. Battery Rodgers Marker
Courtesy of Library of Congress
4. 200 pdr. Parrot Rifle in Battery Rodgers
From the Civil War glass negative collection. Taken between 1862 and 1869. To the left of the Parrott Rifle is the 15-inch Rodman Gun.
Library of Congress
5. Battery Rodgers
Another wartime photo of the battery showing the 15-inch Rodman (furthest) and the 200-pounder Parrott. Note the 15-inch gun was mounted on a center pivot barbette allowing 360 degree traverse. The Parrot was on a front pivot barbette, allowing a more limited traverse. The mountings are both riveted iron construction. In the background is one of the city wharves.
Photographed by U. S. Navy
6. Capt. George Washington Rogers, II, U.S. Navy
Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 4,915 times since then and 63 times this year. Last updated on April 4, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 21, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5. submitted on June 21, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6. submitted on April 3, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
