Seminary Hill in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Northwest Bastion
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
1. Northwest Bastion Marker
The cannons worked in concert to sweep the field toward Little River Turnpike (Duke Street) to the south, and Leesburg Turnpike (King Street) to the north. Artillery crews in teams of 5-7 men were assigned to each gun position. Infantrymen were stationed along the ledge (banquette) between the gun platforms.
A rifle trench extended from the point of this bastion to an outlying gun battery.
The Northwest Bastion was restored by the City of Alexandria, 1961-64.
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, and the Virginia, The City of Alexandria series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.
this page online
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 Northwest Bastion (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Powder Magazine and Filling Room (a few steps from this marker); Profile of the Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Ward (within shouting distance of this marker); From Fort to Community (within shouting distance of this marker); Rifle Trench (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jackson Cemetery Memorial (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Bombproof (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Other markers no longer nearby. Powder Magazine and Filling Room (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Profile of Fort (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Fort Ward (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
2. Northwest Bastion Marker
More about this marker. On the lower half of the marker is a illustration of the operations of Civil War era artillery. Numbers reference the crew members manning the gun. The precise art of firing a cannon was the result of a skilled team effort. A well-drilled gun crew, consisting of 7 men plus gunner, could fire a field cannon 2-3 rounds per minute.
LOAD 6 & 7 cut fuses and distribute rounds to 5 who carries them to 2. 1 sponges barrel. 2 puts round in gun. 1 rams round into barrel while 3 closes vent with thumbstall.
READY 1 & 2 step clear. 3 pricks cartridge with priming wire. 4 hoods lanyard to primer, puts primer in vent and moves to the rear.
FIRE 3 steps clear. 4 pulls lanyard and fires gun.
An engineering plan of the fort on the upper right indicates the gun positions in blue. A blue line extending from the fort indicates the location of infantry trenches.
A chart on the lower right indicates Range of Fire at Maximum Elevation of the weapons in the bastion. A 4.5"
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
3. Reproduction 4.5 Inch Rifled Cannon
This gun is retracted to the rear, in traveling position. During normal operation, the trunnions were placed in the seats on top of the carriage.
Also see . . . Fort Ward Historic Site. (Submitted on May 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Additional commentary.
1. Rodman Gun
The 4.5-inch Siege Gun Model 1861 is often incorrectly, as is in this marker's text, attributed to the Army ordnance officer Thomas J. Rodman. Rodman is not known to have any direct connection to this weapon's design or construction.
— Submitted May 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
4. Reproduction 24-pdr Howitzer
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008
5. Reproduction 6-pdr James Rifle
The 6-pdr James rifle was based on the Model 1841 6-pdr smoothbore.
Photographed by Craig Swain
6. The Northwest Bastion
During the Civil War, the fort overlooked open ground to the west.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,936 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
