Fairfax, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Mosby’s Midnight Raid

Photographed by Craig Swain, January 31, 2008

1. Mosby's Midnight Raid Marker

Inscription. Col. John Singleton Mosby formed the 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry “to weaken the armies invading Virginia by harassing their rear.” Near midnight on 8 March 1863, he led his horsemen undetected through Union lines to disrupt communications between Dranesville and Alexandria. Without losing a man or firing a shot, Mosby and his Rangers rode into and out of the garrisoned village of Fairfax Court House and captured Union Brig. General Stoughton in his bed, as well as two captains, thirty enlisted men, and fifty-eight horses. It was Mosby’s most famous raid.

Erected 1997 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number B-26.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 8, 1863.

Location. 38° 50.489′ N, 77° 18.564′ W. Marker is in Fairfax, Virginia. It is at the intersection of Chain Bridge Road / Ox Road (State Highway 123) and Armstrong Street, on the right when traveling north on Chain Bridge Road / Ox Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4215 Armstrong St, Fairfax VA 22030, 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: City of Fairfax Veterans Amphitheater (within

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shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of the Bulge (within shouting distance of this marker); The Legato School (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fairfax Court House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fairfax Rosenwald School (approx. 0.3 miles away); Joshua Gunnell House (approx. 0.3 miles away); World War I Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); World War II and Korean Conflict Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfax.

Another marker is no longer nearby. First Confederate Officer Killed (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by Craig Swain, January 31, 2008

2. Mosby's Midnight Raid Marker

Truro Episcopal Rectory (Dr. William Gunnell House) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David Rozzelle, December 21, 2024

3. Truro Episcopal Rectory (Dr. William Gunnell House)

Dr. William Gunnell House Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David Rozzelle, December 21, 2024

4. Dr. William Gunnell House Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 4,501 times since then and 134 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 31, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on January 10, 2025, by David Rozzelle of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of the Truro Episcopal Rectory, Barbour House, and Murray Home - landmarks of the raid. • Can you help?