Near Richmond in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Confederate Fortifications

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 1, 2009

1. Confederate Fortifications Marker

Inscription. These northernmost fortifications along Brook Road operated as an early warning system for Confederate troops defending Richmond. Earthworks designed for artillery, located on each side of the road, blocked sudden enemy advances against the capital. A shallow trench line protecting infantrymen with rifles connected them. If necessary, both soldiers and cannons at this forward position could be withdrawn to the Intermediate Line. The walls, or parapets, of this battery position were originally 8-10 feet high and at least 15 feet thick at the top. The inner face of the wall was supported by pots and heavy logs. The earthworks were constructed in 1862 largely by a black labor force, and were occupied intermittently by Confederate troops until the end of the conflict in 1865.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 37° 36.663′ N, 77° 27.514′ W. Marker is near Richmond, Virginia, in Henrico County. It can be reached from Brook Road (U.S. 1) 0.1 miles west of Brook Road (U.S. 1), on the left when traveling north. This marker is located

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at the Confederate Fortifications site in the Brook Run shopping center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23227, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont

and in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds 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 marker: The Fort Under Attack (a few steps from this marker); Gabriel’s Insurrection (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Stuart's Ride (a few steps from this marker); Richmond Defences (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Outer Fortifications (about 500 feet away); Brook Road (about 500 feet away); Campaign of 1781 (about 500 feet away);

Brook Hill Fortifications image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 1, 2009

2. Brook Hill Fortifications

Gabriel's Rebellion (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Stuart's Ride (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 1, 2009

3. Brook Hill Fortifications

Brook Run at Brook Road bridge. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 1, 2009

4. Brook Run at Brook Road bridge.

This stream, located 600 yards north of the fortifications, formed a natural defensive barrier. Brook Road was the main artery approaching Richmond from the north.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,490 times since then and 108 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 8, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.