Bombproof

Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008

1. Bombproof Marker

Inscription. Two bombproofs, each measuring 200 feet long by 12.5 feet wide, were located in the center of Fort Ward. During normal operations the bombproofs were used as meeting rooms, storage facilities, and sometimes as a prison. In the event of an attack, the structures provided temporary protection for the soldiers. Water was supplied by a well located between the bombproofs.

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.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 49.806′ N, 77° 6.128′ W. Marker was in Alexandria, Virginia. It was in Seminary Hill. It could be reached from West Braddock Road, 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: From Fort to Community (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Bombproof (a few steps

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from this marker); a different marker also named Fort Ward (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson Cemetery Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Powder Magazine and Filling Room (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Historic Fort Ward Park (within shouting distance of this marker); The Oakland Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

Other markers no longer nearby. Fort Ward (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Powder Magazine and Filling Room (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Fort Ward (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

More about this marker. The marker displays a Detail of Bombproof #1 and a Cross section of a bombproof. An engineering plan of

The Marker is Located between the Bombproofs image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008

2. The Marker is Located between the Bombproofs

the fort in the upper left indicates the position of the bombproofs in blue, with the next stops on the fort tour in red.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker.

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

Looking Across one of the Bombproofs image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008

3. Looking Across one of the Bombproofs

Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008

4. Bombproof

Looking across the interior of the fort, the bombproof is on the right.

The Fort Well image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, March 1, 2008

5. The Fort Well

Reproduction of the Fort Well.

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 2,685 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.