Rifle Trench

— City of Alexandria, Virginia —

Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008

1. Rifle Trench Marker

Inscription. This rifle trench extended from the North Bastion toward Battery Garesche located beyond Leesburg Turnpike (Route 7). Another rifle trench extended from the tip of the South Bastion near the Fort Gate. The rifle trenches prevented enemy troops from moving towards the rear of the fort.

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 1861.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 49.879′ N, 77° 6.093′ W. Marker was in Alexandria, Virginia. It was in Seminary Hill. It could be reached from West Braddock Road east of North Howard Street, on the right when traveling west. Located in Fort Ward Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria VA 22304, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 Rifle Trench (here, next to this marker); Profile of the Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); From Field to Forest

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(within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Northwest Bastion (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Powder Magazine and Filling Room (about 400 feet away); From Fort to Community (about 500 feet away); Fort Ward (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Bombproof (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

Other markers no longer nearby. Profile of Fort (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Northwest Bastion (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Powder Magazine and Filling Room (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Bombproof (was about 500 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

More about this marker. On the left is an engineering plan over laying a topographical map, indicating the location of the infantry trenches and several outer works associated with Fort Ward.

Also see . . .

Marker and the Trenches image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008

2. Marker and the Trenches

Fort Ward Historic Site. (Submitted on May 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

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 2,645 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.