Seminary Hill in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Southwest Bastion
City of Alexandria, Virginia
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
1. Southwest Bastion Marker
The Southwest Bastion was the most heavily fortified area of the fort with emplacements for seven guns, as well as a magazine and a filling room. The largest gun in Fort Ward, a 100-pounder Parrott Rifle, was located in the Southwest Bastion. This weapon was mounted on a center pintle (circular) carriage and could fire a 100-pound projectile a distance of about five miles. The Parrott Rifle was important because of its capability of defending both the Leesburg Turnpike and the Little River Turnpike, two major roads into Alexandria.
The viewing platform to the right of this marker spans an opening (outlet) in the fort wall that enabled troops to move through the ditch to an outlying rifle trench without being exposed to enemy fire.
Erected by City of Alexandria, Virginia.
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, and the Virginia, The City of Alexandria series lists.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 49.776′ N, 77° 6.206′ W. Marker was in Alexandria, Virginia. It was
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It was also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: A different marker also named Southwest Bastion (a few steps from this marker); Jackson Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson Cemetery Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Ward (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Ward (about 300 feet away); Entrance Gate to Fort Ward (about 400 feet away); Bombproof (about 400 feet away); From Fort to Community (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Other markers no longer nearby. Fort Ward (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Entrance Gate to Fort Ward / Officers' Hut (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. The upper left of the marker face presents
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
2. Southwest Bastion Wayside
Also see . . . Fort Ward Historic Site. (Submitted on May 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
3. The Base Angle of the SouthWest Bastion
Portions of the fort wall have been lost to time, but traces of the outlet to the exterior infantry trenches are still present. The exterior trenches are mostly lost to time.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 10, 2020
4. Southwest Bastion Marker
Unfortunately, the marker has experienced significant damage, most likely from the weather.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,009 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 9, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on May 10, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
