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

Mount Gilead Historic Site

Centreville, Virginia

— Its History and Architecture —

Mount Gilead Historic Site Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 16, 2006

1. Mount Gilead Historic Site Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Mount Gilead, built in the second half of the 18th century, is the sole survivor of Newgate village, a colonial settlement and trading center, renamed Centreville in 1792, when an act of the Virginia assembly gave it town status. Presenting an excellent example of local Potomac River architecture with porches and end chimneys, Mount Gilead served as an ordinary and a private residence until the Civil War came to Centreville.

In October 1861, Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston brought his 40,000 man army to Centreville for winter camp and moved into Mount Gilead. Forts and miles of earthworks were constructed throughout the Centreville area during the winter of 1861-1862. Remains of one section survive in the northeast corner of the Mount Gilead property, near a family cemetery.

After General Johnston’s departure, Mount Gilead remained a private residence until 1996 when the property was acquired by Fairfax County.

Mount

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Gilead is a Fairfax County Historic Site located within the Centreville Historic District.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1861.

Location. 38° 50.556′ N, 77° 25.701′ W. Marker is in Centreville, Virginia, in Fairfax County. Marker is at the intersection of Mt. Gilead Road and General Johnston Place, on the left when traveling west on Mt. Gilead Road. There has been a lot of street alignment and name changes in this section of Centreville, so be sure to have the latest map. From Lee Highway (U.S. 29) eastbound, cross over Sully Road (State Route 28) and turn left at the next light onto Braddock Road, then right on Mt. Gilead Road and then left to stay on Mt. Gilead Road. The historic site is on the left and the marker is at the entrance. This is the short section of Braddock Road that is not connected to the other Braddock Roads. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5634 Mount Gilead Road, Centreville VA 20120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mount Gilead (here, next to this marker); A Place on the High Ground (about 400 feet

Mount Gilead Historic Site and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 16, 2006

2. Mount Gilead Historic Site and Marker

The house and historic site was open to the public on Centreville Day 2006.

away, measured in a direct line); Minnie Minter Carter Saunders (about 500 feet away); St. John's Episcopal Church (about 500 feet away); Historic Centreville Park (about 600 feet away); Old Stone Church (about 700 feet away); Centreville Methodist Church (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Centreville Methodist Church (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Centreville.

Regarding Mount Gilead Historic Site. This is a private residence. The historic site is not normally open to the public.

Also see . . .
1. Down Home in Centreville. 2005 article by Jeb Hockman in Cooperative Living magazine. (Submitted on September 16, 2006.)

2. Civil War Photographs of Centreville. These photos are on Frank Harrell's website. (Submitted on September 16, 2006.)

3. 200 Years of Ordinary History. Washington Post 2006 article by Frederick Kunkle.

Mount Gilead image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 16, 2006

3. Mount Gilead

This is the view from the driveway from Mt. Gilead Road, and is now the house's main entrance. The house is oriented so that this porch faces north. When it was built, the southern porch that faces Braddock Road was the main entrance. Click on the map link and zoom into the satellite view to see the house. The adjacent gabled garage (out of frame to the left) that can be seen on the satellite image is of more recent vintage.

“It’s no Mount Vernon, even if it is nearly as old—and in some respects, Fairfax County officials say, it might be just as historically priceless because it is so ordinary.” (Submitted on November 22, 2006.)

Living Room at Mount Gilead image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 16, 2006

4. Living Room at Mount Gilead

Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 4,035 times since then and 296 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 16, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.