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.
Mosby’s Midnight Raid. . 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.
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. Marker 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. City of Fairfax Veterans Amphitheater (within shouting distance
Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,325 times since then and 130 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on January 31, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
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?
