Seminary Hill in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

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 series list.

Location. 38° 49.806′ N, 77° 6.128′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Seminary Hill. Marker can be reached from West Braddock Road, on the right when traveling west. 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); Powder Magazine and Filling Room (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Ward (within shouting

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distance of this marker); The Oakland Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Northwest Bastion (within shouting distance of this marker); Entrance Gate to Fort Ward/Officers' Hut (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Profile of Fort (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

More about this marker. The marker displays a Detail of Bombproof #1 and a Cross section of a bombproof. An engineering plan of the fort in the upper left indicates the position of the bombproofs in blue, with the next stops on the fort tour in red.

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

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

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 January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,496 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.