CIVIL WAR FORT: 1861-1865

In 1998, Dyer-Gunnell Amerihttp://www.rjt-industries.com/can Legion Post 180 joined the Virginia Civil War Trails program to increase public recognition that the Post Home in Vienna, Virginia sits on the site of a Civil War Fort. This six-point, star-shaped earthwork with a 130 yard perimeter, was constructed on the highest point of land in the area, providing a commanding view of the western and northwestern approaches to Vienna. The soldiers would likely have cleared all trees in front of the earthwork to provide observation and a clear field-of-fire for artillery pieces mounted in the embrasures at the six points.

Earthwork fortifications serving as picket posts to protect approaches to Washington, D.C., or provide protection for railroads, were built throughout northern Virginia during the American Civil War. Some of the earthworks can be positively identified as Union or Confederate, but those in areas occupied at times by both armies (such as Vienna), are often difficult to determine. Researchers thus far have been unable to document this fort or identify its builders but it was likely constructed in its final configuration by Union forces during the period 1863-1865.

If you are interested in how such fortifications were constructed, please visit the excellent web site devoted to "Civil War Field Fortifications" at: http://hometown.aol.com/fieldforts/ACWorks/index.html. The following diagram of the construction of a Parapet and Ditch is from their page providing "A Basic Introduction to Civil War Field Fortifications" at: http://members.aol.com/fieldforts/ACWorks/Embrasures.html.

Because of complexity of design and time required to construct a star-shaped earthwork, they are a more rare example of Civil War field fortifications. The American Legion Post 180 work, with outlying rifle trenches, is thought to have been built to protect approaches to and later the rail head of the Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad that ran 100 yards to the northeast. The site is also within 200 yards of Lawyers Road, then a prominent route to the northwest as well as to the City of Fairfax.

The hill on which this site rests may earlier have been used as an observation and perhaps an artillery position by the Confederate 1st South Carolina Volunteers during the action in Vienna against the Union's 1st Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. On June 17, 1861, 271 Union Forces advancing by train from Falls Church were fired upon with artillery as they reached the vicinity of what is now Maple Avenue, Vienna's main street some 500 yards to the southwest, suffering 8 killed, 4 wounded. A Civil War Trails marker near the Vienna Community Center tells the story of this action.

Virginia Civil War Trails program literature notes the program was established to encourage the public to visit and explore both well-known and less familiar sites associated with America's greatest drama. More than 200 places have become associated with the program. Both the Town of Vienna and the Freeman House on Center Street in Vienna are members of Virginia Civil War Trails. A Civil War Trails marker at the Freeman House describes its use by both Union and Confederate soldiers during the war.

Civil War Trails signage telling the story of the Legion's site was installed in May 1999. Red, white and blue Civil War "trail markers" will eventually lead visitors coming to Vienna to both the Freeman House and to the Legion Home. The Legion's Marker was dedicated on Memorial Day, May 31, 1999. The public is invited to visit the Post 180 site, which will, at a future date, be partially restored.

Additional information about the Virginia Civil War Trails program is available by calling their toll free number: 1-888-CIVIL WAR, or by visiting their Internet home page at: www.civilwar-va.com.

The land upon which the fortification and the Legion Home sits was part of the original 1745 Northern Neck Land Grant to John Jenkins. It was thereafter sold to William Fairfax. During the Civil War the land was owned by the Gunnell family. The Keith and the McClandish families of Vienna, who deeded the property to the Legion in 1956, were subsequent owners.

In addition to its Civil War history, the Legion site has been identified as an ancient settlement. Artifacts found in plain view, including a small quartz spear point, have been estimated to be 4,000 years old.