Seminary Hill in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Entrance Gate to Fort Ward/Officers' Hut
A ditch, or dry moat, surrounded the entire fort. The fort's earthen walls reached a height of approximately 20 feet from the bottom of the ditch to the arch of the gate. The walls were 12-14 feet thick and could absorb the impact of artillery fire.
The officers' huts, soldiers' barracks and mess hall were located outside the fort, near the present Museum, which is patterned after a Union army headquarters building. These structures were built in a typical board-and-batten style. The above photograph, taken at Fort Ward in 1863, shows the quarters of Capt. Theodore H. Rockwood (seated), of Co. E., First Connecticut Heavy Artillery.
Throughout the war, Fort Ward was manned by companies of the First Connecticut Heavy Artillery as well as units from New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The fort could accommodate a garrison of approximately 1,200 soldiers, although records indicate that only 300-400 men were stationed here at one time.
Erected by City of Alexandria.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Defenses of Washington series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1865.
Location. 38° 49.759′ N, 77° 6.141′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Seminary Hill. Marker is on West Braddock Road, on the right when traveling east. Located in Fort Ward Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria VA 22304, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Ward (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Ward (within shouting distance of this marker); African Americans and the Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); "The Fort" and "Seminary" Community (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bombproof (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Ward (about 300 feet away); Southwest Bastion (about 300 feet away); Jackson Cemetery (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
More about this marker. Above the left side text are front and inside elevations of the original fort entrance gate. On the right is a wartime photograph of the officers' hut. An engineering plan of the fort is captioned, To continue your tour, proceed along the exterior rear wall of the Fort to the stairway ahead. The tour route is indicated with red arrows on the fort plan.
Also see . . . Fort Ward Historic Site. (Submitted on May 8, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 8, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,681 times since then and 26 times this year. Last updated on March 26, 2022, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 8, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on April 16, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4, 5. submitted on May 8, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6. submitted on April 16, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.